Zinedine Zidane praised Cristiano Ronaldo’s contribution to Real Madrid’s success during their time together. His remarks came amid media reports that the 41-year-old forward may leave Portugal’s national team, a claim Ronaldo has not confirmed.
Zidane said Ronaldo helped him achieve remarkable results and that he would always hold the Portuguese forward in high regard. Goal reported the comments, which were cited by Russia’s RIA Novosti.
Speculation about Ronaldo’s international future followed Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Norway. He was left out of the starting line-up and stayed on the bench throughout the match. Media reports later said he left the national team camp after coach Jorge Jesus said he would not feature in the next game.
Reports that Ronaldo has retired from international football remain unconfirmed. Zidane coached Real Madrid from January 2016 to May 2018. During that period, the club won three consecutive Champions League titles, the Spanish league and cup super cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two Club World Cups.