Zidane enjoys greater freedom in Spain

Zinedine Zidane says he is enjoying the greater freedom of the Spanish league following his world record $66 million move from Juventus to Real Madrid.

After a slow start, Zidane has been instrumental in the club's climb up the league from 16th to second in just 10 games.

"There's an important difference between the football that's played here in Spain and that played in Italy," Zidane was quoted as saying by Spanish sports daily Marca on Wednesday.

"For me, Italian football is more difficult because there's a lot of tactical work going on. It's rigid, whereas in Spain the game is more open.

"For me La Liga is much better because I feel more free and I'm much happier. I feel good playing here."

Asked about the record fee, Zidane said he hopes to prove his worth on the field. "I'm not worth that amount of money -- no footballer is," Zidane said.

"The important thing for me is to pay back that money on the field. I've got four years on my contract in which to do it.

"I'm not sure if it's possible but I'm going to try."