Zinedine Zidane content after missing out on managing Real Madrid

Another opportunity for Zinedine Zidane to take the reins at Real Madrid is bound to present itself in the coming years, thanks to the frequency with which managers come and go.

But for now, the managerial position belongs to Rafa Benitez after the Spaniard replaced Carlo Ancelotti at the conclusion of the season.

Zidane, currently serving as Real Madrid Castilla manager, is content with the fact that the club went in another direction, despite his admitted interest and readiness to assume the manager's role.

"I would have accepted the chance to replace Ancelotti," Zidane said in an interview with France Football, courtesy of ESPNFC. "I consider myself a professional and I would not have turned down the challenge."

While he was eager to replace Ancelotti after years of grooming, Zidane insists he's not disappointed by club president Florentino Perez's decision to go with an experienced manager.

"No, seriously, no. I am not disappointed," Zidane said.

"It was considered that this was not the moment. Things happen in a natural way - you do not need to look for them. It was not written to be like that. (Perez) took the decision to choose another coach, and that's that."

Zidane spent five years with Los Blancos, propelling them to their ninth European triumph in 2002, before Ancelotti gave him a chance to work as an assistant during the 2013-14 campaign. He eventually moved to the team's youth squad, but has come under criticism for failing to win promotion into Spain's third tier.