Zidane pursued in Tahiti as his Real Madrid signing nears

The editorial director of AS, José Félix Díaz, recounts how, on a day-and-a-half trip from Madrid to Papeete, he chased Zinedine Zidane in Tahiti while the former player's signing by Real Madrid was about to be finalized, after having spent five days in Turin without a trace.

The launch of the newsletter and the pursuit of Zidane

‘Al habla con el director’ is the new weekly newsletter from AS that premiered last Monday, offering original and exclusive texts analyzed in first person by Díaz. Díaz recalls a tense moment with Zidane; there are many years of journalism and more stories, but he highlights the one that took him to Tahiti chasing the Frenchman whose signing by Real Madrid was imminent. Before the journey, he spent five days in Turin without finding any trace.

Upon returning to Madrid, he set off for Tahiti, which lasted a day and a half until arriving in Papeete. Upon arrival, he met Zidane, who did not appreciate his presence and sent him a two‑by‑two to make him leave.

Obstacles in Tahiti and Zidane's arrival at Real Madrid

The next day a tribute match was held in Papeete and the gendarmes expelled him from the stadium by force. Prior to that, his suitcase did not arrive, forcing him to buy flip‑flops and a pair of swimming trunks. The buying options were scarce, as there was not much to choose from.

He did not see Zidane again until the Frenchman arrived at Real Madrid, a moment when they clarified everything in a minute. Even today he maintains the relationship, although he recalls being expelled first from the hotel and then from the stadium.

Spain showcases its bid as FIFA inspects Madrid venues ahead of 2030 World Cup

Anecdotes, awards and the situation of Real Madrid, including the Negreira case

A year ago he felt the joy of delivering big news: Nico Williams was going to sign for Barcelona and it seemed certain. While he was in Philadelphia, on the way from the statue to Rocky, he received a five‑word call that announced that Nico was not signing for Barcelona. The information came from a trusted person, and everyone took it as fact. He acted immediately, confirmed the news thousands of kilometers away, received reliable information and experienced total and absolute satisfaction.

He explained why he voted for Mbappé above any Spanish player for the Ballon d'Or, after reflecting that up to five candidates had options but none met one hundred percent the criteria of individual performance, collective performance, titles and fair play. He considered that Mbappé gathered more merits by being the top scorer in La Liga, the Champions League, the World Cup and in the history of the World Cup. When asked who meets the most requirements in the current season, he pointed to Lamine. In his list of ten players appear, besides Lamine, Rodrigo, Fabián and Cubarsí.

He wondered whether Real Madrid and its fans could endure another year without a title, and stated that the history of the last three decades indicates that madridismo would not tolerate a third season without trophies. He asserted that if Real Madrid does not lift an important title, it would be a catastrophe, although a Spanish Super Cup, especially against Barcelona, could serve as a balm. Two drought campaigns led Florentino Pérez to seek the support of the members, which became majority again. Although the season progresses with positive sensations, Mourinho knows that at Real Madrid a blank campaign is not acceptable, so he imagines three.

He asked how it is possible that in the Negreira case the rules are not applied, noting that the case has not yet finished. He indicated that the case has not been closed either in the courts or in the sporting realm. Currently, the only possible sanction would be via UEFA, which would consist of denying Barcelona participation in European competitions. In Spain, it was considered closed by prescription, but the case continues to unfairly pursue current referees. Moves in the prescription periods favored Barcelona to divert sporting justice. In Italy, the investigation led Juventus to Serie B. The Negreira case remains present.