‘Let’s talk about it without the cameras around’

Monday, June 14, 2021 at 11:37• Dominic Mostert • Last update: 11:47

Zinedine Zidane made his first public appearance on Sunday since writing an open letter two weeks ago explaining his departure from Real Madrid. The Frenchman was in Vallecas, Madrid’s largest neighborhood, to attend the first play-off match between Rayo Vallecano and Girona (1-2); his son Luca Zidane was under the bar with the home side. Just before entering the stadium, Zidane received some questions about his departure from Real, which he did not appreciate.

In the open letter, Zidane wrote that he no longer felt the full confidence of the Real Madrid board and therefore chose not to serve out his one-year contract. “I don’t get the support to build anything in the medium or long term,” Zidane wrote, among other things. He also said that after defeats last season, stories were “deliberately” leaked to the press about his “impending resignation”. Upon arrival at Vallecano’s stadium, the Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, Zidane was given by journalist Sergio Quirante of GOL whether he is at odds with Real.

“Sir, how are you? How are you feeling? A quick question: do you have a tense relationship with Real Madrid after the letter?” Quirante asked Zidane. “Do you keep asking the same stupid questions?” countered the clubless trainer. Quirante: “No, I’m just asking for the letter.” Zidane wasn’t convinced: “Right, you keep asking the same stupid questions. What you’re doing is a disgrace.” After the reporter said he would ask ‘no more’, Zidane continued: “I know you and you know me. The same thing happens every time. Let’s talk about it without the cameras around.”

Zidane then pointed at the cameraman and told him to stop, after which Zidane and Quirante walked away together. The trainer put his arm on the journalist’s shoulder, after which they continued their conversation. It is not known exactly what was discussed then, but the images of the moment are massively shared on social media. Incidentally, Luca Zidane, Zinedine’s son, can still promote to LaLiga despite the 1-2 defeat; the return in Girona will be completed on Sunday.


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