French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his desire to see former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane return to France to take charge of a Ligue 1 squad.

His remarks came amid rumors of Paris Saint-Germain’s possible interest in appointing Zidane as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor this summer, despite the latter’s contract until 2023.

“No, I did not talk to Zidane, but I have great admiration for him, as a player and coach,” Macron told RMC Sport on Wednesday.

“He won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, which is what we want for our clubs. I want him back to promote France. I hope, for the impact on the French league and for France, that Zidane returns and runs a great French club, it would be good. My role is to say that France is a great nation for sport and football, that there are great people who love this sport. It is important for us to bring in the best players we have trained, who have ever excelled internationally,” said Macron.

However, the French media point to Nice coach Christophe Galtier as a possible replacement for Pochettino.

Macron, meanwhile, admitted a few days ago that he advised Mbappe to stay in the country and renew his contract with PSG amid Real Madrid interest.