Skip to content

Cristiano Ronaldo fit for Champions League final, says Zinedine Zidane

Cristiano Ronaldo unhappy with Real Madrid team-mates
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo is fit to play in the Champions League final

Zinedine Zidane says Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit for the Champions League final, despite a persistent thigh problem.

The three-time Ballon d'Or winner came off at half-time of Real Madrid's final game of the La Liga season at Deportivo La Coruna 10 days ago having scored twice in the first half to take his tally for the season to 51.

He then sat out a practice match on Saturday ahead of Saturday night's highly-anticipated clash with city rivals Atletico at the San Siro in Milan.

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale celebrate v Sevilla
Image: Ronaldo is likely to play alongside Karim Benzema (left) and Gareth Bale (right)

But Zidane is confident his talisman will be available in Italy, saying: "There will be no problem. He felt something on Saturday when we had a game between us and he didn't play as a precaution.

"He will be ready for Saturday and I think we are in good shape physically."

However, Raphael Varane has been ruled out with a hamstring injury and the France international is now a doubt for Euro 2016. 

Raphael Varane is 'the future of Real Madrid'
Image: Raphael Varane will not play at the San Siro

"It is sure that he will be injured for Saturday," added Zidane. "I expect he will be out for two or three weeks. I hope for him it isn't as severe as anticipated.

Also See:

"I hope he'll have the chance to do something at the Euros."

Varane was unlikely to start in Milan, with Sergio Ramos and Pepe the preferred pairing in the centre of defence, meaning Zidane is set to have his first-choice starting XI available to face Atletico.  

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane reacts during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Valencia CF at Estadio Santiago Ber
Image: Zinedine Zidane insists he still has much to learn as a manager

An 11th win in Europe's top club competition would cap a sensational start to Zidane's senior management career having turned around Real's fortunes with 21 wins from 26 games since replacing the sacked Rafael Benitez in January.

However, the Frenchman insists he still has a lot to learn as a coach.

"The desire I have to learn is tremendous and I am convinced I am going to improve," he said. "I have a lot to do to be a good and important coach in football."

Around Sky