By AFPMore by this AuthorNICEFrance coach Didier Deschamps has backed former teammate Zinedine Zidane to step into his shoes "one day", only hours after the latter's shock decision to step down as coach of Real Madrid. Deschamps, however, played down suggestions that Zidane's decision had heaped more pressure on his shoulders ahead of the June 14-July 15 World Cup. It will happen when it happens," said Deschamps, who captained France to World Cup triumph in 1998 and at Euro 2000 when Zidane was an integral part of Les Bleus' midfield. Although Deschamps is under contract with the French football federation (FFF) until 2020, he sees Zidane stepping into the role. Deschamps said Zidane's decision had not affected his plans for France's World Cup campaign.

Source: Daily Nation May 31, 2018 16:07 UTC