Former Real Madrid and Spain boss Vicente del Bosque claims Zinedine Zidane is “despised” like he was and that he rejected a huge offer from China.
Del Bosque’s Madrid reign between 1999 and 2003 was regularly downplayed, despite his two La Liga titles and as many Champions Leagues, and the veteran cited parallels with Zidane, whose achievements have proved similarly divisive.
“I know there are those who despise people’s work based on them being very lucky,” he told El Confidencial.
“Zidane’s [unbeaten] run of games and three international trophies will be worth quite something. He has a group of players behind him that follow him as a leader.
“As much as they despise him, like they did to me, he’s someone who has shown to greatly influence his squad.”
The 66-year-old then made it clear he would not be swayed by big Chinese money or return to Madrid while Florentino Perez was President.
“I received an offer worth €15m from there, but I’ve never been driven by money,” he added.
“The happiest time of my life in sporting terms was when I was Coach and director of the youth ranks at Madrid, with Luis Molowny and other fabulous people, even if we only earned just enough to live.
“Florentino Perez? The other day I was in Badajoz, where I collected an award. During the ceremony, I was approached by a councillor who, with some emphasis, said to me, ‘you’re not a madridista.’
“I replied, ‘I may not have affection for Florentino Perez or be his friend, but I’ll never go against Madrid.’
“Madrid? I’m not prepared to go back, neither do the club need me for anything. I’ve retired from football.”
