Qatar 2022: Zidane declines invitation to final so as not to steal limelight from Deschamps
The legend, who won the tournament with Deschamps in 1998, will not be at the Lusail Stadium
Football legend Zinedine Zidane has declined an offer from the French Federation to watch the World Cup final in Qatar because he does not want to steal the limelight amid speculation he will replace France boss Didier Deschamps in 2023, claim reports.
The legend, who won the tournament with Deschamps in 1998, will not be at the Lusail Stadium to see if France can claim their third World Cup.
It's believed Zidane does not want any of the focus to be on him at what is a hugely historic event where France could become only the third team ever to record successive World Cup wins, Mundo Deportivo reports.
It comes as speculation mounts over Zidane taking the France managerial role - with the former Real Madrid boss reportedly turning down the PSG job in the summer in hope of securing the top spot at Les Bleus.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Zidane has in fact verbally reached an agreement to become France boss from January 1, 2023. But it depends on what Deschamps - who has been in charge of Les Bleus since 2012 - decides to do.
Ahead of France's World Cup final on Sunday, Deschamps said the result will have no impact on his decision.
Speaking at a press conference in Doha, he said: 'To be the France manager has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am still as passionate about the role as I ever have been,' he said.
'The most important thing is the team. I am not the most important person here, it is all about the team. My future won't depend on Sunday's result.'
Zidane left his position as Real Madrid head coach for the second time in May 2021 after admitting that he felt there was a disconnection between the club's board and himself.
He guided Madrid to three consecutive Champions League trophies from 2015 to 2018 Spanish side became the first club to ever win the famous competition three times in a row.
He also won two La Liga titles during his time in the Spanish capital, along with being awarded two world's best coaching awards for his achievements before leaving the club after losing the league crown to cross-city rivals Atletico.
The icon was tipped to take over at Paris Saint-Germain following Mauricio Pochettino's summer sacking but instead opted to remain a free agent as Christophe Galtier took over in the French capital.
