Zinedine Zidane breaks silence on returning to football during Miami GP interview

Zinedine Zidane was asked about a potential return to football during the Miami Grand Prix - and gave a telling answer.

The Frenchman has been out of management since departing Real Madrid for a second time in the summer of 2021.

He has been linked with numerous roles, including the Bayern Munich and Manchester United jobs, in recent months but has yet to take up a new position.

Zidane was spotted on the grid before the F1 Miami Grand Prix on Sunday evening, which was won by McLaren's Lando Norris.

And while the 51-year-old couldn't be interviewed by Sky Sports F1's Martin Brundle as he doesn't speak English, he was instead found by the Sky Sports Germany cameras.

When asked about whether Bayern or Real Madrid would win the Champions League semi-final - they are locked at 2-2 after the first leg - Zidane replied: "Hopefully Madrid. But it's going to be a difficult game."

He was then pressed about whether he would coach Bayern in the future.

"No. I'm going to watch the game," he replied, before laughing and walking away.

News #Zidane: Former Real coach Zidane about the UCL semi final: „I cheer for Real. It will be a tough game.“

About the possible job as #Bayern manager: „I will watch the game...“@SkySportDE | @Sky_PeterH pic.twitter.com/bVVfeHBKg8

— BenHeckner (@SkySport_Ben) May 5, 2024

His comments about Bayern, though, might be an extra boost to United if they are planning an approach to the Frenchman over replacing Erik ten Hag.

Ironically, new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS may need to open talks with a replacement for Ten Hag only in the event of Bayern Munich appointing him.

According to Sky Sports, Bayern have enquired with Ten Hag's agent over whether the Dutchman would be interested in taking over at the Allianz Arena, but that his focus is fully on United at present.

The Red Devils take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final later this month, and can still mathematically finish as high as fifth in the Premier League table to guarantee Europa League football next season.