Spain

Zinedine Zidane Pleased Cristiano Ronaldo Has Biggest Fee Burden

Cristiano Ronaldo is set to become the world's most expensive player and his predecessor is delighted...

Jun 15, 2009 10:36:11 AM

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Zinedine Zidane (PA)

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Cristiano Ronaldo

Zinedine Zidane has admitted that he is pleased that Cristiano Ronaldo has taken the burden of being the world's most expensive player off his shoulders this summer.

The Frenchman's move from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001 saw Los Merengues pay €76 million for his services and he has been the reference when major deals have been done ever since.

Now though, Zidane is set to see that amount superseded by Ronaldo when he joins the Spanish giants for €18 million more.

"It's a relief for me because the cost of Cristiano has seen me lose that record, which was quite heavy to carry," Zidane told reporters in Spain.

"You could say that, thanks to Cristiano, I can breathe again."

Zidane has taken up a position on the Real Madrid board as an advisor to president Florentino Perez and believes that the big spending is necessary.

"When one wants to assemble a team with the best players in the world, it costs money," he added.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com