Former World Player of the Year Zidane, who confessed recently that he "wanted to get back into football", lunched with Calderon and his agent, Alain Migliacio, yesterday in Madrid.

The meeting was initiated by Zizou, who made it clear to Calderon that he wished to return to Real, but "did not know in what capacity".

Calderon was delighted with the approach, says AS, and it's suggested the Frenchman could take up a coaching job in the club's youth system, where sons Enzo and Luca are currently making waves.

Zidane is delighted with the new unity that Calderon has brought to Real and remarked: "It is nice to see the united element that is now inside the dressing room. I enjoy seeing the passion and commitment that is shown by the players on the field. The way they're playing, they can win several titles ..."