Several ingenious games, a red card in the finals and a vice-world champion medal - so great Zizu said goodbye last summer with great football. According to the famous playmaker of the “tricolors”, over the past three months since the Berlin final, he never went out on the field to chase the ball, but “he ran a little and played several tennis games.” However, Zidane outside football is unthinkable. The other day, the former captain of the French team signed a contract with Canal +, where he will work as a consultant. The cooperation model was tested already in September - then Zidane covered the PSG - Marseille match, which ended in a 3-1 victory for the guests. Zizu's responsibilities included preparing reports on the eve of the game, talking with players and coaches during the break, and conducting post-match interviews. According to AFP, the agreement does not provide for commentary on the game itself, as, for example, did the eminent coach and former coach of Zidane in the national team of Emé Jacques. After signing the contract, Zidane spoke at a press conference last Wednesday, only the second after the player’s career ended. We give his answers to the most interesting questions of journalists.
- The decision to stop speaking has radically changed your attitude to your own career?
- No, because everyone goes through it. Even when I had a one-year break in appearances for the French national team, I realized that the day would come when I would finish playing. After the decision was made, the departure itself was given to me quite easily. Of course, there are difficulties. I added a few pounds ... It seems to be inevitable ... When you do something for seventeen years, and then suddenly stop and it is no longer the most important thing in your life, a little adrenaline is needed. But I'm already used to it. Today, everything is going well.
- Have you played football since then?
- Not. I’m running a little, I played several matches in tennis. But the boots have not yet worn.
- Do you see yourself in some other role in the future?
- One thing is for sure: I will stay in football, since football is what I have been doing all my life. Will I become a coach? Answering this question, today I say no to you. Ten years later - why not? Man never knows what tomorrow will bring.
- When will you enter the field again?
- With friends - I don’t know ... But it will definitely happen, there will still be an opportunity. With the French national team in '98? Yes, it is planned. Just the exact date has not yet been determined.
- Marseille “Olympic” will be able to win the championship of France?
- This team can pleasantly surprise and succeed. Despite the superiority of “Lyon”, everything is possible in the championship. In any case, I hope for the success of “Marseille”, the fight for the title will become more interesting.
- Was the match against Brazil at the World Cup in Germany the best of your career?
“I don't think so.” I have preserved special memories of the match held for Juventus, during which I looked very good from the 1st to the 90th minute. It was a game against the Ajax Amsterdam in Turin, in the Champions League semi-finals (we are talking about the Champions League semi-final of 97 when Juventus beat the Dutch 4-1 - B.Sh.).
- Marco Materazzi sent you his book?
- (Dry.) No.
“Are you going to read it?”
- Not.
- What do you think about the situation in Real Madrid?
- Honestly, I have not seen a single game of Real Madrid this season. Nevertheless, I have reliable information about what is happening in the team, as I continue to communicate with many people working in the club. There are ups, there are downs. This Sunday will be the next “classic” against “Barcelona”, and this is a good chance for “Real” to regain confidence in themselves, which the team has lost over the past few years.
- Rumor has it that Fabien Barthez can come to Chelsea?
- I heard about it today while driving here ... I would be glad if this happens, for one simple reason: Fabien really wanted to continue playing. That would be great for him.
- Yannick Noah and you are very respected in French society. Noah recently stated that he did not want to see Nicolas Sarkozy in power. What is your opinion on this?
- There are many opinions, and I have my own, which I prefer to keep with me. I’m more interested in talking about this topic with close people, rather than discussing it publicly. Of course, I’ll go to the polls and vote.
Boyan SHOCH