“For me, it’s an immense joy… being able to become the coach of this French team. I don’t have any other words,” said Zidane at his unveiling at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris.

“I’m holding myself back because I have so many emotions inside me. I’m ready for the challenge, that’s what drives me today.”

Former Real Madrid star Zidane, 54, had long been viewed as the leading candidate for the role and had been waiting for an opportunity to take charge of the French football team for several years.

He will replace Deschamps, whose tenure began in 2012 and ended earlier this month after France finished fourth at the World Cup.

Deschamps guided France to 2018 World Cup glory, making him one of only three people to win the World Cup as both a player – in 1998, France’s first win – and a coach.

He also led France to the final in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup, when they lost on penalties to Argentina. 

Spain crowned world champions as France miss out and England claim bronze

‘The only job I wanted’

Zidane, who was Deschamps’ teammate in the 1998 World Cup triumph, scoring twice in the game against Brazil, has been readying himself for the role since leaving his role as manager at Real Madrid in 2021.

“The France job was the only one I wanted,” Zidane said. “I’ve had offers over these four or five years to take charge of a club and I turned them all down for the French national team.”

During his time with Real Madrid, the only club at which he has coached, the former France playmaker led them to three consecutive Champions League titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“I think it’s a completely different job, that’s for sure,” said Zidane. “I’ve experienced the club side of it. Now this is something new for me, but it doesn’t scare me.”

Zizou’s back: Zinedine Zidane set to take charge of Les Bleus

As well as Deschamps, Zidane will also follow in the footsteps of former international team-mate Laurent Blanc, who coached the national side from 2010 to 2012.

“I’m going to give everything so that this team keeps on winning. That’s it, the only thing that drives me is being able to work for this France team and making sure it keeps on winning.”

He will take over on a four-year deal that runs until the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco.

Zidane’s first game at the helm will see France meet Turkey away in the UEFA Nations League on 25 September. His first match at home will be against Italy at the Stade de France on 2 October.

(with AFP)