Could Zinedine Zidane be in line for a sensational return to Juventus?

Recently departed Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane may be on his way back to Turin with Juventus to take over as a sporting director.

Zinedine Zidane made a swift exit from the Bernabeu back in May, resigning after Real had secured the 3rd consecutive Champions League title of his tenure.

The Frenchman retired from professional football as a player back in 2006, following his country’s World Cup Final defeat to Italy.

He was sent off during the match after sensationally headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, which remains one of the most shocking incidents in the history of the competition.

Managerial career

By 2010 he was ready to begin a career in management and took a role as first team advisor to Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid.

The following year he became the clubs new sporting director and by 2013 he had worked his way up to assistant coach, serving under Carlo Ancelotti.

Zidane’s first head coach role followed his natural progression at Real, as he was appointed to lead the club’s Castilla B team in the Spanish Segunda Division B.

Two years later his chance to take over as the big boss came calling and he replaced the outgoing Rafael Benitez as Real Madrid’s first team head coach. Since then he has led the team to 9 major trophies and become the first manager in history to win 3 European Cups in succession.

A return to Juventus could be on the cards.

Now reports are circulating that the great man will likely return to Italy, with a club he spent the early years of his career at whilst blossoming into one of the worlds best players.

Zidane enjoyed 5 years between 1996-2001 in Turin with Juventus, winning two Serie A titles and reaching two consecutive Champions League finals.

He eventually moved to the Spanish capital for a record €77 million pounds and played out the remaining years of his career with Madrid, but the Old Lady has always remained in his heart.

It seems that Juventus are now preparing to match the global footballing superpowers of Real, Barcelona, PSG and Manchester City by flexing their financial muscles in order to take over at the top level.

Yesterday they finalised the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo for €105 million from Los Blancos in a move which has signalled their intent for next season.

Ronaldo leaves Madrid as their all-time record scorer – 450 goals in 438 games – and the Portuguese star has 5 Ballon Dor’s to his name to date.

His signature represents a massive coup for Juve and indeed for the whole of Serie A, who will benefit greatly from the exposure of housing one of the greatest players in the game.

The 33-year-old star worked with Zidane over the course of the last 3 years and now they look set to reunite in Italy, meaning they can chase down a 4th Champions League title in a row as colleagues.

The former French midfielder’s arrival in Turin could put pressure on current club boss Massimiliano Allegri, who despite winning an unprecedented 4 domestic doubles on the bounce, has also lost 2 European Cup finals during his reign.

In fact, Juventus have the rather unfortunate blot on their record of losing their last 5 Champions League final appearances. Chief executive Beppe Marotta is desperate to put the trophy back in the clubs cabinet and now he has acquired Ronaldo, Allegri will be expected to deliver it.

Whether or not Zidane is being lined up to replace their current boss in the near future is unclear, however, his arrival does add to the excitement surrounding the club this summer.

Next season Juventus are expected to challenge on the domestic front once again, but beyond that, perhaps they are primed and ready to use Madrid’s own former charge’s as a catalyst to knock them off their perch in Europe.

Next: Three players who can replace Jorginho at Napoli

Do you think Zinedine Zidane should reintroduce himself to the Serie A?