Revealed: The Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane ‘could not consider’ was snubbed by Sven Goran Eriksson as he warned he’d remorse ‘losing’ his expertise

Zinedine Zidane has revealed he ‘couldn’t believe’ an English playerwas omitted by the national team with Sven Goran Eriksson in charge during the duo’s stunning time at Real Madrid.

The French football legend does not hesitate when he is quizzed about the qualities of former England star, previously revealing he would like to play alongside Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard.

It is a known fact that Zidane told Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign the Liverpool icon back in 2004 – showing a clear desire to form the best midfield in the world reasonably. 

Although he did not lack world-class team-mates in Los Blancos‘ Galacticos era, the Frenchman revealed he was left amazed by the capabilities of a former English fellow.

While Gerrard’s signature initially remained an unsolvable task for Madrid, they completed a shock Steve McManaman’s free transfer in the summer of 1999.

Although he made 37 appearances for England, the former Liverpool star stopped receiving call-ups in 2001, which surprised Zidane. 

Zinedine Zidane ‘couldn’t believe’ Steve McManaman was snubbed by England back in 2002

The French football legend warned the team would regret wasting the former Reds star’s potential

Zidane has been a long-time admirer of former England star, such as Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard and 

‘I was surprised when McManaman was left out of the last England squad. I couldn’t believe they would ignore a player of his quality,’ the Frenchman said in a Sky Sports interview in 2002. 

‘Now people are talking about the fact that maybe he will get his chance because David Beckham is injured. 

‘But McManaman is far better than just being a replacement for Beckham. McManaman should be in the starting line-up anyway.’ 

The Englishman was left out of the squad despite a good performance in several unusual positions in the capital of Spain – but the right wink was considered his most comfortable role.

He remained remembered as one of the most successful England stars who had played abroad despite the fierce competition in Madrid’s squad. 

‘Picking him now would be a very smart move for Eriksson because McManaman is in the mood to start proving people wrong,’ Zidane continued.

‘If Eriksson gave him the chance he deserves, he could prove to all the people and to Eriksson he should have been there all along.

‘I don’t think he has really ever had a proper chance under Eriksson but he has proved over the years, for Liverpool, England and Real Madrid, that he is a leading player.

McManaman’s game against Greece in October 2001 remains his last for England

However, he had a far more successful club career, winning two Champions League for Madrid

It is understood that Sven Goran Eriksson sent the confirmation on McManaman’s snub over a phone message

‘If England do not pick him, it would be a terrible waste, both for the side and for McManaman. If they don’t take him to the World Cup, they’ll regret it.’

McManaman had a far more successful career at the club levels, also starring for Liverpool and Manchester City alongside Madrid.

However, he won seven major trophies in the capital of Spain, including two Champions League titles in 2000 and 2002 respectively.

He featured in the starting lineup against Valencia and played the entire 90-minute game, marking his appearance with Los Blancos’ second goal in a match which concluded with a 3-0 humiliation at Stade de France.

In 2002, under the same manager Vicente del Bosque, the former Premier League player started the clash on the bench but stepped on the pitch in the 61st minute, replacing Luis Figo.

But the game against Greece in October 2001 remained his last for England.

After Sven-Goran Eriksson left him out of the squad over a message, McManaman was quick to share his views with BBC 5 Live. 

‘A lot of the reasons that are bandied about are ridiculous,’ he said. ‘I was involved in the last qualifying game against Greece and everyone was happy. People make their own assumptions but it’s very confusing.

‘When it was announced I wasn’t picked I wasn’t cross as I was half expecting it.’