Zidane Promises a Return to Madrid's Attacking Flare

Zinedine Zidane promises return to Real Madrid's attacking flare. 

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he wants to inspire his team to play with the same attacking flare he displayed as a player.

Zidane says "football with a personal touch, with attacking play, is what I'll aim for."

Zidane was speaking Tuesday at his first news conference, a day after replacing the fired Rafa Benitez.

Earlier, the club said more than 6,000 fans turned out to watch the former France great take charge during Madrid's traditional open-door first practice session of the year.

His first game will be on Saturday at home against Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league. Madrid trails leader Atletico Madrid by four points and is two points behind defending champion Barcelona, which has a game in hand. -- HAROLD HECKLE, Associated Press

Cristiano Ronaldo's Best Last Minute Goals (Video)

Cristiano Ronaldo is the only player in the history of football to score 50 or more goals in a season on five consecutive occasions. In September 2015, Ronaldo became the all-time top goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League with 82 goals, and in October 2015 he became Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer. Here are some of his best last minute goals. [Source]

Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid Transfer Ban, De Gea and Hazard Moves in Question

David De Gea may have to stay put at Manchester United for now. Credit: Reuters

FIFA is set to announce sanctions against clubs Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid for violating youth transfer regulations. This is in respect to accusations of signing players under age 18 from outside the European Union. The transfer sanctions could put the long suspected transfers of David De Gea, John Stones, Harry Kane and Eden Hazard on hold.

FIFA released a statement saying that: "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Spanish clubs Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid for breaches relating to the international transfer and registration of players under the age of 18. The two clubs were found to have violated several provisions concerning the international transfer and first registration of minor players as well as other relevant provisions with regard to the registration and participation of certain players in competitions."

As a result of FIFA's ruling, Real Madrid and Atletico can sign players during the present transfer window, but will be banned from doing so in the summer transfer window and in January 2017's transfer window. Both teams will pay fines totaling 900,000 euros.

The teams have the right to appeal.

Real Madrid: Gareth Bale Disappointed at Rafa Benitez Departure, Says He'll Press On

Bale unhappy with Benitez departure but says he'll keep doing his best. Credit: Getty Images

It's clear that Gareth Bale was one of the few Real Madrid players who wanted Rafael Benitez to stay on as manager. Bale scored 3 in the club's 5-goal win over Deportivo de la Coruna, during Zinedine Zidane's managerial debut.

“I had a very good relationship with Rafa," Bale said. "Obviously, it was a big disappointment to see him go but things like this happen in football: you’re professional and you get on with it, and carry on." Bale went on to say, "I’m happy at the moment. Obviously, you can never predict what happens in the future but I’m enjoying my football at the moment, so I’ll keep going.”

Benitez's sacking came with a double sting for Bale since club owner Florentino Pérez promised that Zidane's position would be temporary.

Bale noted, however: “I don’t think there was too much difference, to be honest. We’ve been working hard of late and maybe we didn’t have a bit of luck before but I think we’re all working the same amount on the football pitch. We’re all giving 100% and the most important thing is we win games and win titles.” While still at the top of the Primera Division table, Real Madrid ranks third behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.

Ballon d'Or 2015: CR7 Still Waiting But Doesn't Think He'll Get It

Cristiano Ronaldo anxiously awaiting Ballon d'Or 2015 announcement. Credit: Twitter

Messi will win top prize says Ronaldo, according to the UK Telegraph. The media outlet failed to quote the footballer's observation, so Cristiano Ronaldo probably didn't just say he'd rather not get the honor.

FIFA Ballon d'Or Ceremony 2016 Time and Date

Are you anxious to find out who will win FIFA's Player of the Year? If so, set your watch to GMT. The ceremony starts around 5:30 p.m. GMT at Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland.

2015 Player of the Year: Messi, Neymar, Ronaldo?

Here's the breakdown:

Messi has won the award four times, having been beat out by Cristiano Ronaldo twice. The Argentinian superstar led Barcelona to a La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey last season, scoring 52 goals in the 2014/2015 season.

Ronaldo wants a third Ballon d'Or after 2013 and 2014 wins. But he has a tough hill to climb after a less-than-stellar season. He scored 57 goals in 2014/15.

Neymar, the youngest of the trio, scored 46 goals in the 2014/15 season, and took the lead during his teammate Messi's injury absence. The Brazilian has been a key member of Barcelona's powerful goal-scoring trio, Messi-Suarez-Neymar, dubbed MSN.

The Ballon d'Or ceremony takes place Monday, Jan. 11 in Zurich, Switzerland.