Spain

Zinedine Zidane: I Prefer Franck Ribery Over Cristiano Ronaldo

The former Real Madrid and Juventus legend has stated that he believes the Manchester United man is a great player - just not as good as his former international colleague.

May 25, 2009 3:18:48 PM

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Zinedine Zidane (PA)

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Zinedine Zidane has claimed in an interview with French broadcasters Europe 1 that if given the choice between Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo and Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery, he would opt for the Frenchman as the better player of the two.

Zidane, who this week has been discussing a potential return to former club Real Madrid if Florentino Perez returns as president, has often spoke of his admiration for Ribery, whom he starred alongside in France’s run to the 2006 World Cup final in Germany.

Zidane’s role at the Bernabeu should he return would be that of sporting adviser, and given that Los Blancos have been heavily linked with approaches for both players in recent months, he clearly feels that Ribery is the superior footballer.

He said during the interview, “Cristiano [Ronaldo] is a great player, of course, because he was chosen for the Golden Ball and could achieve it again this year.

"He is a formidable player, but if you ask me who I prefer, it is very clear; [Franck] Ribery.”

Furthermore Zidane, who enjoyed a hugely successful spell in Madrid between 2001 – 2006, re-iterated his intention to return to the club if Perez is elected.

He added, “If Florentino [Perez] is elected, I am willing to do anything to help Real Madrid. There are many issues that need [to be] resolved.”

Perez was president of Real Madrid in his previous spell from 2000 until his resignation in February of 2006, and was primarily responsible for the club's 'Los Galacticos' era.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

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