体坛英语新闻：Zindane to become Real Madrid director of Football

MADRID, July 7 (Xinhua) -- Zinedine Zidane announced this Thursday that he is to become the new director of Football for the first team at Real Madrid.

Zidane was speaking at the presentation of the television programme, "Futbol Cracks" when he made his announcement.

The legendary former Real Madrid and Juventus player and French international had previously been working as an advisor to Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez, who he thanked for his decision to change roles in the club towards a closer working relationship with coach, Jose Mourinho.

"Mourinho influenced me, but Florentino influenced me more," said Zidane, who was not specific about the exact role he would be carrying out.

"We will have to see, everyone is asking me the same, but I will be in the role from Monday until the end of the season," he added.

Zidane also valued the signing of young central defender Rafael Varene from Franch side Lens and he was full of praise for his fellow countryman.

"He has a great future and it is good that he has arrived at Real Madrid at such a young age. The coach likes him and that is why he is here. He is good enough to play in this side, he will be able to help and be a first choice player for the future," said Zidane.