MADRID, April 26 - Real Madrid's France midfielder Zinedine Zidane says he announced his retirement on Tuesday to give the club time to prepare for next season.

"The club need to build a team so that they can win again," Zidane told Real Madrid television on Wednesday.

"By announcing my retirement now it gives them the chance to go and look for new players before the World Cup, if that is what they want to do.

"They have always been good to me so it is the least I could do for them."

The 33-year-old said on Tuesday he would retire after leading France at the World Cup in Germany, despite having a year left on his contract with Real.

Zidane also highlighted the Madrid club's recent lack of success, their worst run in 52 years, as a key factor in his decision.

"We haven't won anything for three years and I haven't been playing the way I would like for two," Zidane added.

"I always play to win and when you can't you have to be realistic."

Looking ahead to the future Zidane said he would like to continue being linked to Real.

"I want to stay close to this club because they have given me so much," he said.

"It won't be in the front line but in some kind of project, something to do with the children. This idea still needs to be developed."