ZINEDINE ZIDANE will “lead” France after the World Cup, replacing boss Didier Deschamps, according to reports.
The iconic Frenchman, 50, has been out of a job since his departure from Real Madrid last year.
He has been linked with a number of top jobs but the three-time Champions League-winning manager has turned those offers down.
The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have been linked in the past.
However, Zidane has waited “for whatever the French team” needed and according to esRadio’s Sergio Valentin, he will manage his country after November-December’s winter World Cup in Qatar.
The ex-Real boss will replace Deschamps after the tournament.
In June this year, Zidane claimed he was “not finished with Les Bleus”, publicly stating his intention to manage France.
He told French newspaper L’Equipe: “I’m not finished with Les Bleus.
“I want to do it, of course. I will be [France coach], I hope, one day. When? That’s not up to me.
“But I want to come full circle with the French national team.
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“I met this French team as a player. And it’s the best thing that ever happened to me!
“But really! It is the peak. So, since I went through that and now I am a coach, the French team is firmly anchored in my head.
“Succeed Deschamps? I don’t know. If it has to be done, it will be done, at that time or not.
“When I say I want to take charge of the French national team one day, I’m assuming.
“Currently, a team has been created. With their goals. But if the opportunity comes later, I will be there. Again, it’s not up to me.
“My deepest desire is there. The French national team is the most beautiful thing there is.”
France kick off their World Cup campaign on November 22 against Australia.
A tough fixture against dark horses Denmark will follow before closing the group against Tunisia.
Should they then make the knockouts, France will hope to defend their World Cup 2018 crown.
