Real Madrid have confirmed that Farid Zidane (older brother of head coach Zinedine) passed away this morning after recently being diagnosed with cancer.

The Madrid first team squad held a minute's silence ahead of today's training session at their Montreal pre-season preparation centre.

Head coach Zinedine Zidane was forced to suddenly abandon the Canadian training camp yesterday after being informed that his brother's condition was critical with son Luca Zidane also granted the same compassionate leave from new second division club Racing Santander.

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Sources within Real Madrid maintained that Zidane would have has much time away as needed but is expected to return to the Montreal Impact training base within a week.