SPORTS NEWS.

Having helped France win the right to host Euro 2016 by acting as an ambassador for the bid, Zinedine Zidane has spoken of the joy the event will bring the populous of his home country.

Zidane spoke of the thrill he had watching France at Stade Velodrome during Euro '84 and the enjoyment he had helping his nation to a World Cup win on home soil in 1998, and he believes that will be replicated for the youth of the country in six years.

“We are pleased to have this competition in France,” he told the press after the announcement. “We are happy for all the people who will enjoy this moment. I lived this as a player. Well, it wasn’t the European Championships, it was the World Cup, but it is practically the same event.

“I like the idea that people will enjoy this moment and I'm delighted for all the millions of French who will share it.

“I love the France team and it was my duty to be behind the team of France. I wanted to see [France] hold this championship and that’s why I’m here. But everyone was well prepared for it, especially [10-year-old] Nathan, who was amazing.”

While France can now start building towards the European Championships in six years, the more immediate focus is on les Bleus’ performance at the World Cup in South Africa.

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