{
  "id": 11972940,
  "title": "‘I was lucky to have him’: Zinedine Zidane on Cristiano Ronaldo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/i-was-lucky-to-have-him-zinedine-zidane-on-cristiano-ronaldo",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T17:02:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/i-was-lucky-to-have-him-zinedine-zidane-on-cristiano-ronaldo-10906399/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Portugal's world-class footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has unexpectedly left the national team training camp prior to their upcoming Nations League match against Norway. This move has sparked speculation about Ronaldo's potential retirement from international football. Zinedine Zidane, France's head coach, was recently asked about Ronaldo's decision and his remarkable career. Zidane praised Ronaldo's exceptional achievements and expressed his deep respect for the player, stating that he was fortunate to have Ronaldo on his team, as they won many significant victories together. Zidane, who previously coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid, highlighted the difference between club football and international football, emphasizing his continued dedication to working alongside his team. Portugal's head coach, George Jesus, revealed that Ronaldo would not be starting in the upcoming match against Denmark, but denied any animosity between the two. Ronaldo later announced on Instagram that he would be departing the Portugal camp, citing a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation. He expressed his best wishes to the team and all teammates.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Cristiano Ronaldo unexpectedly left Portugal's training camp.",
    "Zinedine Zidane praised Ronaldo's exceptional achievements.",
    "Ronaldo announced departure on Instagram, citing President of Portuguese Football Federation."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}