1. Zinedine Zidane has been appointed coach of Spanish third division side Castilla, Real Madrid's feeder team.
The former France midfielder, 42, has been working with Real coach Carlo Ancelotti in developing young players.
"Zizou, who was Carlo Ancelotti's first squad assistant coach this year, will start a new stage of his career at Real Madrid," the club website reported.
Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, is a potential replacement for Ancelotti in the future.
He won two Serie A titles with Juventus, La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, and was the inspiration in France's 3-0 World Cup victory over Brazil in 1998.
But he ended his career after the World Cup final defeat by Italy, on penalties in 2006, after being sent off for headbutting defender Marco Materazzi in the chest.
Zidane has been linked with the manager's job at former club Bordeaux but elected to stay at Madrid.
He will be joined by youth coach Santiago Sanchez at Castilla.
2. Atletico Madrid have confirmed Koke and Juanfran have signed new long-term deals at the Vicente Calderon.
After excellent seasons - where Diego Simeone's men won La Liga and reached the Champions League final - the pair were touted with moves away from the club.
Koke was heavily linked with Barcelona, while Manchester United were also said to be interested and Juanfran had appeared as a possible successor to Bacary Sagna at the Emirates.
However, both players have opted to remain in the Spanish capital for the foreseeable future.
A club statement read: "Koke and Juanfran have extended their contracts with our club until 2019 and 2018."
3. Queens Park Rangers defender Clint Hill has penned a new one-year deal at Loftus Road.
The 35-year-old played a key role for Harry Redknapp's side last season and was named captain for the play-off final win over Derby at Wembley.
He told the club's website: "I was hopeful that I'd get a new deal, so to get it sorted so soon is great.
"I’ve enjoyed some great experiences at QPR over the last four years, I’m settled here, and I’m excited about being part of this club for another season."
Hill could well be partnered in defence by Rio Ferdinand next season, with the ex-Man United man close to agreeing a move.
4. Barcelona have announced the signing of Chile keeper Claudio Bravo.
He arrives from fellow Spanish club Real Sociedad and has signed a four-year deal with Los Cules.
He's their second new goalkeeper of the summer, joining Marc-Andre ter Stegen as replacements for Victor Valdes.
No comments:
Post a Comment