Zinedine Zidane has officially been announced as the coach of the French National Team
Deschamps was Zidane's former teammate in the 1998 World Cup. Hence, it is a fitting replacement plus he has been waiting for the job since 2021
XtraTime Newsdesk: Zinedine Zidane was named France coach on Tuesday, as expected, following Didier Deschamps' departure, the French Football Federation (FFF) said. Zidane, 54, has long been regarded as the top prospect for the position and had been waiting for an opportunity to manage the national team for several years. He will succeed Deschamps, whose term began in 2012 and concluded earlier this month when France placed fourth at the World Cup. Deschamps led France to World Cup success in 2018 and the final four years later.
"For me, it's an immense joy... about being able to become the coach of this French team. I don't have any other words," said Zidane.
"I'm holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I'm ready for the challenge, that's what drives me today."
Deschamps was Zidane's former teammate in the 1998 World Cup. Hence, it is a fitting replacement plus he has been waiting for the job since 2021. "The France job was the only one I wanted," Zidane said after his unveiling at the FFF headquarters in Paris.
"I've had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club and I turned them all down for the French national team."
The former France playmaker, who scored twice in the 1998 World Cup final triumph over Brazil and also won the 2000 European Championship as a player, has coached just one club, Real Madrid.
During his stint with the Spanish giants, he guided them to three straight Champions League trophies in 2016, 2017 and 2018, an unparalleled feat in the competition's modern existence.
"I think it's a completely different job, that's for sure," said Zidane. "I've experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn't scare me."
Zidane will follow in the footsteps of former international teammates Laurent Blanc (who led the national team from 2010 to 2012) and Deschamps. He will take over on a four-year contract that will last until the 2030 World Cup, which will be held jointly by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
"I'm going to give everything so that this team keeps on winning. That's it, the only thing that drives me is being able to work for this France team and making sure it keeps on winning."
On September 25, Zidane's first game as France manager will be a UEFA Nations League away match against Turkey. His first home encounter will be against Italy on October 2 at the Stade de France.
