The Blancos boss has no doubts about the England international’s qualities, but recruiting business is the last thing on his mind currently.
Zinedine Zidane believes Raheem Sterling is an excellent player but isn’t interested in discussing a potential Real Madrid bid for the Manchester City celebrity.
In a meeting with Madrid book AS, Sterling explained Los Blancos as”a fantastic club” and suggested he could be interested in playing at Santiago Bernabeu, although he made it clear he is happy at City.
With Pep Guardiola’s side facing a ban from European competition pending the results of a planned appeal, the future of Sterling is very likely to intensify over the coming weeks, especially with Madrid and City assembly in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Madrid head coach Zidane is unquestionably an admirer of Sterling, but he seems disinclined to promote speculation.
“I can’t speak about a player who is not mine,” he told reporters on Friday. “He’s an excellent player, no doubt about that.”
Madrid confront Levante at La Liga on Saturday before their attentions turn to City next week.
1 player expecting to impress is Rodrygo, that has not made a league appearance since January 26.
“He has not been in the previous few squads, but we understand he is an important player for us and when everyone is there, you must choose a squad,” Zidane said of the Brazilian.
“That is all it is because we are content with him. He has shown he’s very good.”
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is reportedly at an impasse in talks over a new contract, with Madrid allegedly unwilling to coincide with their captain’s petition for a yearlong expansion.
Zidane, however, expects a new deal to be agreed without too much caution and is even backing the protector in his desire to represent Spain in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
“Sergio’s renewal seems easy to me. I need Sergio with me. He is our captain, our leader and an example for a participant,” he said.
“He is very important for many Madridistas, for the gamers…
“He must go, of course [to the Olympics]. I’ll support him. It is very beautiful to play for your country.”
