Real Madrid Missed Out on Top Midfielder After Zidane’s Deal

Florentino Perez declared Real Madrid's interest in signing another midfielder following the £46.2 million arrival of Zinedine Zidane, but they ultimately failed to get a deal over the line.

Back in 2001, Real Madrid were on a mission to build a squad of "Galácticos" following the big-money arrival of Luis Figo from Barcelona.

Los Blancos president Florentino Perez was determined to put a marker down, merging financial power with success on the pitch as Raul, Roberto Carlos and Claude Makelele, amongst others, flourished.

But it was the world-record arrival of Zinedine Zidane from Juventus that would elevate the Spanish club to new heights.

"A while back I said the amount of money was enormous and that I was not worth that much," said Zidane at his unveiling. "It is indeed a lot of money. I am fully aware of that and my thoughts on the matter have not changed."

Source: AFP