Ceballos Replies Zidane Over Madrid Future

By Joshua Walters

Dani Ceballos has sent a blatant reply to Zinedine Zidane telling him he did not want to work under him again.

The Spanish midfielder was informed by the Madrid boss he is not part of his plans next season following a squad overhaul at the club.

Zidane, who returned to the club after resigning in 2018 is on a rebuilding project after the side endured a disappointing season last term.

With the rebuilding project, the French trainer has managed to secure the services of forward line players he thinks would solve the attacking deficiency of the side after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo having signed Eden Hazard from Chelsea and Luka Jovic from Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Ceballos featured sparingly during Zidane’s first spell and he again enjoyed just three appearances following the return of the manager in March.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who has been starved of first team chances under Zidane, gained more playing time during Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari's reign.

Having been informed of not being part of the manager's plans in the coming season, Ceballos has issued a reply to the development.

"I started well under [Julen] Lopetegui, but once he was fired, I, unfortunately, became secondary," Ceballos said.

"I’m not going to say what was said regarding my talk with Zidane but what I can say is that he was clear with me and once the Euro U21 is over, I will decide my future."

"My aim is to play wherever I go and prove that I can compete in any team in Europe. I hope to succeed because nothing is going to defeat me."

Ceballos is currently with the Spanish under 21 side in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship hosted by Italy and San Marino as he recorded the only goal for the side in their opening game, losing to Italy 3-1 on Sunday.