Zinédine Zidane is “not proud” of the headbutt dealt to Marco Materrazzi in the 2006 World Cup final for his last match as a player, he said Thursday on the eve of returning to Italy as France coach in the Nations League at the Stade de France.
“I’m not proud of what happened. I said it, I said it again, I will say it again today,” insisted the new boss of the Blues on Thursday at a press conference.
“But it’s part of a journey. You can’t just do nice things. I believe that we are all on a life journey where we do things that are not great,” he added.
In the final of the 2006 World Cup in Berlin, while France and Italy were tied 1-1 in overtime, after getting confused with Materazzi, Zidane broke down and delivered a headbutt to his chest. The referee, who had not seen the gesture, gave him a red card.
Italy ultimately won the title in the penalty shootout which saw David Trezeguet miss his attempt.
“2006? The images always remind me of it, as it plays everywhere in a loop (smile). Fortunately I didn’t just do that and there are other nicer ones. So I’m thinking more about those who are positive,” commented Zidane, specifying that he had “not at all” spoken to the Italian defender since.
“These are not regrets because it is part of my career,” he said. In 2006, I didn’t know I was going to become a coach. I thought it was the end so it was very complicated.”
Having become coach, Zidane is preparing to experience “a big emotion” by returning to the Stade de France, 20 years after his last match played as a player, a friendly match won against Mexico 1-0.
“We are ready for this third match, we have prepared well, there are no particular problems. We will try to win in front of our audience,” assured Zidane who will play his first home match after two inaugural away victories against Turkey 1-0 and Belgium 1-0.
France is first in Group A before the match against Italy on Friday and the reception of Belgium for the return match on Monday, still at the Stade de France.
