Zidane, a Real Madrid icon

As you read about Zinedine Zidane's retirement from football, his goals, feints, incredible ball control, and unique roullette should come to mind. However, the Magician's arrival to Real Madrid meant more than just football. He brought an elegance and chivalry that were extended through every foundation, school, meeting with those less fortunate, or benefit act that he attended to help the smallest of supporters. For these reasons, and since his number '5' shirt was hung in stores throughout Spain for the very first time, Zidane was, is, and will forever stand as an incomparable symbol of the Club's gallery of legends.

Ever since the rumours began regarding his potential signingon 4 July 2001, Real Madrid supporters worldwide were thrilled and mesmerized by the 13th French player in the history of Real Madrid. Both Florentino Pérez's and Zizou's own dreams came true on 9 July. He left Turin and landed in Spain, his wife's parents home country and the setting of his final years as a footballer. The greatest signing of the 2001-02 season proudly donned his immaculate white shirt in the Ice Palace of the former Sports Complex in front of nearly 500 media representatives.