Football Echo: EURO BALLS: Even ZZ didn't find it Real easy.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE almost quit football after joining Real Madrid, claims club president Florentino Perez.

Although he is widely regarded as the world's best player, the Frenchman actually struggled for form after moving to Spain from Juventus in a pounds 45m deal three years ago.

Perez (pictured) said: ``With Zidane in La Liga, Real lost almost every match. Without him in the Champions League, we won.

``There was a debate inside Real Madrid.

Do we have to play with or without him? Zidane even admitted he thought about stopping his career.

``Suddenly his magic, his art, his class, made everyone quiet. Every player needs time to adapt. ''