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Zidane Sorry For Materazzi Headbutt

A book about Zinedine Zidane set to be published next week has revealed that the French legend deeply regrets his infamous 2006 head-butt on Marco Materazzi.

Sep 18, 2008 11:38:53 AM

Zidane headbutts Materazzi in World Cup finals (AFP)

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Zidane headbutts Materazzi in World Cup finals (AFP)

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Zidane was infamously sent off during the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin during Italy’s victory over France after he head-butted Materazzi in the chest in extra time.

The French legend, who was playing his last game before retiring, has always refused to publicly apologise for his violent act.

However, in a book by journalist Besma Lahouri, titled ‘The Hidden Face Of Zidane’, which is due to be published next week, it is revealed that the former Juventus man deeply regrets what he did.

Among the secrets in the book, there is a confession by Zidane to his cousin Akbou who lives in Algeria.

The pair spoke about the incident in Algiers in December 2006, and Akbou, a pharmacist of 40 years, said to Zidane that he had "done well" to respond to the provocation of Materazzi.

However, the former number 10 replied: "Do not ever say that I did well to head-butt Materazzi. I did not do well and I am sorry."
France have struggled badly since Zidane retired, and were shambolic during their first round exit at Euro 2008.

Anthony Sormani

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