Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane wants to keep Cristiano Ronaldo
Tuesday 8 March 2016 08:33, UK
Real Madrid head coach, Zinedine Zidane, has stated his desire to see Cristiano Ronaldo remain at the Bernabeu.
Real players have come in for some criticism from supporters this season, unhappy with a poor La Liga season that sees them third in the table, 12 points behind leaders Barcelona and four points adrift of rivals Atletico.
Ronaldo was booed by some fans early in the second half of Saturday's game with Celta Vigo before scoring four goals in 28 minutes as they went on to chalk up a 7-1 victory.
Such criticism has led to suggestions this could be the three-time world player of the year's last season in Madrid.
But speaking to the media ahead of the second leg of Real's Champions League, last-16 tie with Roma - which they lead 2-0 after an impressive result in Italy - Zidane was keen to emphasise his desire to keep the Portugal international at the club.
"I am the coach and I want Cristiano," said Zidane.
"They whistled me and everyone else. It is not questioning the player, it is a fan base that always wants more from their players and that is good for the players to improve and always do well.
"In the end, the fans love the players and that is the most important thing. I always see a full stadium and that says a lot."
Despite holding a first-leg lead going in to the game with Roma, Zidane was keen to emphasise they still have work to do if they are to advance in a competition which has taken on more significance given their poor domestic form.
I am the coach and I want Cristiano.
"For me it is the most important game because it is the next one," added Zidane.
"The only thing we have to do is win the game tomorrow. That is our goal, we need to think solely about tomorrow's game.
"Many people think it is going to be easy and it won't be."
