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Zidane begins new role with Real Madrid

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-11-22 16:28

Former France and Real Madrid player Zinedine Zidane shakes hands with head coach Jose Mourinho at the Valdebebas training ground on Nov 21, 2010 in Madrid. [Photo/CFP]

MADRID - Zinedine Zidane has begun his new job working as a link between Real Madrid's squad and club president Florentino Perez.

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The France great will not form part of Jose Mourinho's staff but will work with the Portuguese coach's players on a daily basis. Zidane will travel with the team for Champions League matches, starting Tuesday against Ajax.

"I take on this new role with a lot of belief," Zidane said. "It's not a signing but to me it feels like one. I intend to collaborate with the team, to be the go-between the president and the squad."

Zidane said the role will be better defined going forward "but the most important thing is I'll be near the team."

Mourinho expects Zidane to be a "big help" as he will be close to the players.

"Zidane is Zidane - so just that alone is positive," Mourinho said. "Zidane's only going to bring positive qualities. The players know about his qualities as a football player and a person. He'll be able to be close to them and that will help establish a relationship that will be very good for them."

Zidane, who played five seasons for Madrid, won the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship with France.

His memorable volleyed goal against Bayer Leverkusen led Madrid to its record ninth, and last, European Cup eight years ago.