Zidane on "Fire"?

From Steve Goff's blog on washingtonpost.com:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/

I told you exclusively here at the Insider earlier this week that talks between the Chicago Fire and French megastar Zinedine Zidane have started up again, and today a reliable source tells me that a decision could be made by Monday. Zidane is interested in restarting his tarnished career, but he wants to do it somewhere far from the European hysteria. Chicago and New York expressed interest earlier this winter, but negotiations stalled. Obviously, a Zidane signing would command a monster contract, and Anschutz Entertainment Group, which operates the Fire, is in position to provide it. They've already lured Beckham to L.A. and are drooling at the opportunity to reel in Zidane. Will it happen? We should know soon. Hey Dave Sarachan, how's your French language skills these days?

 

Americans love giving second chances and comeback stories.

I just hate to see Zidane tarnish Chicago. And I think his quick temper will raise its ugly, bald head again.

 

CT; hypothetically speaking of course, would this be worth spending the ticket and parking?

 

I think it's a great idea, if Chicago can pull it off. We saw in the World Cup, that he still has the skill to take over a game. Sometimes you have to take the bad (temper) with the good. I know I'd watch more MLS, if he was involved in the league.

 

I would probably go to a match or two if he was on the pitch, but then again, I would probably go without him as I am trying to make a more concerted effort this season to go.

For the record, I do NOT like this if it happens. The big MLS supporters on here should be very leery of this. The MLS does not want to become a league where older, has-been stars come. Contrary to what most people think, Zidane was NOT that fantastic at the World Cup. He was figment of his former self and I do not want to see MLS turn into the type of league that overpays for has beens like Zidane.

MLS is walking a fine line if it continues to bring in starts like Zidane. I do not mind seeing Beckham as I still think he has been eyeing MLS for some time. But with Zidane, I am not sure it is smart to pull a guy out of retirement to play. I do not buy the thought that he is trying to resurrect his career. That is rubbish. He is trying to pad his wallet. That is all it is. He will take that fat MLS deal and laugh his way to the bank.

 

I'm with Tom in every word he said/typed, except the part about going to more Fire matches. The commute would be a killer.

 

I agree. With Beckham you can truly say, he's got some years left in him. In the case of Zidane that’s simply not true. He's done, kaput. Not saying he would be a flop or anything but he's hardly what he used to be. In the group stage he was France’s worst player.

I'd rather spend the money elsewhere.

 

Mmm... I'm for the 'second-chance' crowd.

I've never been sorry I got a chance to watch Valderrama; or even John Harkes, for that matter.

This would not be a repeat of the 'Matteus' fiasco. too bad he cant play for Bradley, he knows how to handle the 'misfits'... viz Razov.

 

MLS needs publicity and Zidane would give them that. To get people in the seats you need to create a buzz. You need to make it exiting for the casual soccer fan.

 

I feel Zidane would be fine playing at the MLS level. I don't think you can compare the level of play in the world cup to that of the MLS. As Oz said the league needs buzz and names people may have heard of. If the Fire can get folks thru the gates with the name then hopefully they will come back because of his play on the field.

 

One advantage of having players like Becks and ZZ in MLS: I don't think they would/will dominate, and that could raise the world's perception of the quality of MLS.

 

Zidane NOT Coming to MLS

From Steve Goff of the Washington Post in his blog "Soccer Insider":

Zidane Update

As promised, here's the latest...

The chances of Zizou going to Chicago are now slim to none. He won't even consider an offer of less than $15 million per year. This comes from a source close to the folks who have been trying to facilitate a deal. Talks never progressed far enough to involve the Chicago front office and coaches.

New York has also been mentioned again as a possible suitor and, while there is interest from upper management (Red Bull), it is very unlikely to happen.

So there you have it. If anything else surfaces today, y'all will be the first to know. Zidane might end up in MLS at some point (maybe next year?), but from all indications, it ain't happening right now.

Having said that, I just might have a good story for you late tonight with significant U.S. soccer implications. Be sure to check the main sports page at www.washingtonpost.com before bedtime.

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What's that big US soccer story? Look for my next post...