Real Madrid Boss Zinedine Zidane Won't Rule Out Managing Juventus 'One Day'

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has refused to rule out the possibility of one day taking over at the helm of another former club, Juventus. 

The Bianconeri host Real in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday, and Zidane told Football Italia (h/t MailOnline's Will Griffee) he would "never say never" with regards to managing Juve in the future:

"Manager of Juventus one day? Never say never, but I'm happy where I am now.

"I learned so much in those five years, I'd never left France before, and they welcomed me like a family."

Zidane's comments fall on the same day it emerged incumbent Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri told the Telegraph's Jason Burt he "will go abroad" when he leaves the club. The Italian added he intends to work at club level for "four to six years" more before managing a national team.

The Champions League is Real's last chance of success following a disappointing domestic season, and after facing calls for his departure earlier this term, Zidane recently said he wishes to remain in charge of the team, via Goal:

Zidane was brought to Turin from Bordeaux in 1996, and it was with the Bianconeri that he announced himself at world level.

Allegri's contract at the Allianz Stadium expires in the summer of 2020, and though it may create an opening if he leaves at that juncture, there's no guarantee Zidane will be ready to depart Real at the same point.

While some argued Real's poor start meant Zidane was headed for the exit, others saw it as premature to criticise a manager coming off the back of successive Champions League crowns and a La Liga title.

In the midst of Real's struggles earlier this season, shortly after losing back-to-back games against Girona and Tottenham Hotspur, Spanish football writer Simon Harrison questioned Zidane's tactical acumen:

Real are the only club with which Zidane has senior managerial experience after replacing Rafael Benitez in January 2016 after two years coaching the club's Castilla side. 

Managing Juve would present a greater challenge to the ex-France international, but former team-mate Alessio Tacchinardi suggested he's capable:

Zidane's words do not seem to point to a reunion anytime soon, meaning a long wait is possible before he is back in Turin permanently.