Zidane fighting fit and ready for new season (26.07.2002)
VIENNA
French international playmaker Zinedine Zidane confirmed Thursday that he was "back in form" as he rejoined Spanish side Real Madrid for pre-season training in the southern Austrian town of Graz.
"The 40 days of holidays which I`ve just had have done me a world of good," admitted the 29-year-old French star who tore a thigh-muscle in a pre-World Cup warm-up against South Korea.
Zidane made his World Cup debut in France`s do-or-die final group match against Denmark, but could not inspire the defending champions who crashed out in the first round without scoring a
single goal.
"My priority is to win the Spanish championship again with my club. Winning the Champions League final again would also be good," added Zidane.
And he dismissed talk that the French squad was in crisis after the World Cup.
"The French team have always been strong, are still today and will be tomorrow," said the midfielder, who blamed lack of a period of preparation before the championship for their failure.
Real Madrid are in Graz to play a friendly against Austrian first division side Graz Athletik Klub, who celebrate their 100th anniversary, on Sunday.
