Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane has rejected reports he vetoed the signing of Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Spanish and European champions were said to be close to signing the Spain international, before he committed his future to the Basque club until 2025.

“In the summer any player can join Real Madrid, should the club and the Coach wish for it to happen,” Zidane told reporters on Tuesday.

“However the idea from both me and the club was not to change a lot in this month, so it’s annoying to hear reports of a falling out.

“One of my jobs is to protect the squad and the players who are available to me, but I have no further comments on Kepa or anyone else.”

Tags Kepa Arrizabalaga
La Liga - Club News