Zidane says has no plans to coach

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) -- Retired French legend Zinedine Zidane said he has no plans to coach soccer anytime soon, adding that working with children may better suit his talents.

Zidane kicked a ball around with schoolchildren on a dirt pitch Tuesday in Bangladesh at a village near the capital, and later showed off his skills at an exhibition match featuring young players at a packed Dhaka stadium

The former star midfielder was visiting Bangladesh through Wednesday on the invitation of Grameen Bank -- the micro-finance institution that won this year's Nobel Peace Prize along with its founder Muhammad Yunus.

Zidane, who retired after captaining France in the final of this year's World Cup in Germany, said he had no immediate plans to take up coaching.

"It does not interest me now. I believe I can use my talents in other ways," Zidane said, adding he would be happy to do something for children.

On Wednesday, Zidane was to open a nonprofit plant producing cheap, nutritious yogurt for low-income people, particularly children. The factory will be operated by the Grameen Bank and French food company Groupe Danone in northern Bangladesh.

Zidane said he was moved when people shouted out his name in places like Bangladesh. He said he would consider returning to the South Asian nation if asked -- perhaps to give some playing tips.

He also offered advice for Bangladesh's young soccer players. "Even with talent, success comes from a lot of hard work," Zidane told a news conference through an interpreter in Dhaka.

Zidane also said with effort, Asian soccer could catch up with Europe, which started playing the game long before.

Yunus said he hoped that Zidane's presence would inspire Bangladeshi soccer players. Soccer is the most popular game in the impoverished nation of 144 million people

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