Zidane ‘key’ to Real season –Ronaldo
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo lauded coach Zinedine Zidane as the key to his side’s Champions League success.
Zidane, 44, replaced Rafael Benitez at the start of January, leading Madrid to European glory thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory over city rivals Atletico in the final.
Ronaldo, who scored 51 goals in all competitions last season, paid tribute to Zidane as the reason his team’s campaign turned around.
“Zidane was the key to our season,” he said.
“He came, made us work hard, work well. He’s a great professional and a great person.
“In my opinion, his best quality is his ability to give players a sense of calm. Which coach can win the Champions League in six months?
“Zidane deserves much credit and I am very happy he is with us.”
After leading Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, Ronaldo has been sidelined with a knee injury, although he is nearing a return.
The 31-year-old said his aims for this season were similar to any other at the Santiago Bernabeu – to win trophies.
