Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrei Arshavin Earn Zinedine Zidane's Praise

Zinedine Zidane wants Cristiano Ronaldo to take his tag as the world's most expensive player, and has given his seal of approval for the winger to become Real Madrid's latest big money signing.

Ronaldo looks intent on leaving Manchester United for the Bernabeu, where Zidane spent the last five years of his career playing in a team featuring the likes of Luis Figo and David Beckham.

Madrid are expected to break the £46 million world record transfer fee they paid for Zidane if they are to land Ronaldo, and the French legend feels it would be value for the money.

"If he comes to Madrid, it will be quite an amount. They are ready to pay more than they did for me and this will lift the weight from my shoulders," said the former France playmaker, who retired in 2006.

"He had a great season, a league and Champions League winner, and I think the fact that he and Portugal got knocked out at the quarter finals doesn't mean anything, because they were up against a great Germany team.

"It doesn't say anything about the merits during the year. He is not scared of his new Real Madrid engagement, and every time they wanted good players, they got them.

"Now it depends on his personal plans. If he wants to play there he will play there."

Zidane has confirmed that he wants to return to football, but that he has no imminent plans to do so.

The 35-year-old also admitted that Russia's Andrei Arshavin has caught his eye during Euro 2008 so far.

"When you see their number 10, it is great," Zidane said.

"What he does at this stage is more difficult than at World Cup because it's the first big tournament he has played in.

"I was very happy to see that type of football played. He has great feet."