MADRID: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane on Friday sidestepped talk of a bid for the world's most expensive footballer Neymar.
"I dont know, I don't think so. What we are thinking about at the moment is the Champions League final," Zidane told a press conference when asked about a possible move for the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil star.
It's "normal that people talk," he added, "but I am not going there, because we are focusing on the season and the rest we will talk about later."
Zidane's squad take on Liverpool in the Champions League final in Kiev on May 26, looking to win the trophy for a third year in a row.
Pushed about whether Neymar would fit in to the Real setup and would be compatible with Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane said, "the good ones are always compatible (with each other."
Real President Florentino Pérez has made no secret of his desire to recruit Neymar, sparking daily rumours of transfer moves for the Brazilian star who played for Spanish rivals Barcelona from 2013-2017 before moving to French champions PSG.
Neymar returned to Paris on Friday to continue his recovery, two months after undergoing surgery on a broken bone in his foot in his native Brazil. He is unlikely to play again for PSG this season, his focus now on being ready in time for Brazil's World Cup bid in June and July, but he was at Tuesday's French Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and minnows Les Herbiers.
"He is fully motivated but sad that he can't train with us," PSG captain Thiago Silva said. "Neymar is doing well. It's clear he's making progress. He's already working in the gym."
Zinedine Zidane sidesteps talk of Neymar moving to Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane sidesteps talk of Neymar moving to Real Madrid
- Neymar is thought to be restless at PSG
- 'I am not going there ... the rest we will talk about later'
FIA President Ben Sulayem highlights new safety boost with Hankook joining as Global Partner
- New role sees one of the world’s leading tire makers join global platform for sustainable innovations in motorsport and mobility
DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has welcomed Hankook, one of the world’s leading tire makers, as the FIA’s newest Global Partner in the organization’s drive to boost safety in motorsport and mobility.
Hankook has officially joined the FIA’s Global Partner Programme after more than three years as an associate of the global governing body for motorsport and the federation for mobility organizations worldwide.
Hankook will be an Official Partner of the annual FIA Awards as well as Official Partner of the FIA Sustainable Innovation Series, a global event platform, run in close cooperation with FIA World Championships.
These include the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, FIA Formula One World Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship and FIA World Rally Championship from 2026 through 2028.
Ben Sulayem said: “Sustainability and technological innovation are at the heart of our missions at the FIA, so I am delighted to welcome Hankook as a new partner.
“This new partnership with Hankook reflects the global growth of our FIA Global Partner Programme, and through collaboration it will strengthen our work to make motor sport and mobility safer.”
The FIA Sustainable Innovation Series convenes industry leaders to focus on “track to road” opportunities, translating innovation developed in motorsport into wider automotive and mobility applications.
As the exclusive technical partner and tire supplier of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship and the FIA World Rally Championships, Hankook supports the FIA’s ambition to use motorsport as a platform for progress and responsible innovation.
These championships provide a live testing environment for new materials, performance standards and safety solutions, with learnings that can be transferred from competition to everyday mobility.
Jongho Park, president and COO, Hankook Tire Europe, said: “The FIA and Hankook share the belief that technological innovation can only be effective on a sustained basis if it combines safety, fairness and responsibility.
“As Global Partner of the FIA, we want to use our expertise in technology and sustainable tire development to drive the mobility of the future, in motorsport and beyond.”
Craig Edmondson, chief commercial officer of the FIA, said: “Through our expanding Global Partner Programme, the FIA is working alongside leading international organizations that share our commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and safety across both motorsport and mobility
“We are pleased to welcome Hankook into the FIA Global Partner Programme. Together, we will continue to accelerate progress and shape a more sustainable, future‑focused mobility ecosystem.”
