This is what Materazzi said when head-butted Zidane in 2006
The 2006 World Cup tournament was a beautiful memory for the Italian National Team, on the contrary became a nightmare for the French national team and their supporters.
How come? Les Bleus on paper is more favored win over Italy, when the two teams face off in the final round. They have a complete squad, including the great legend, Zinedine Zidane. The 1998 World Champion appeared since the first minute, and wore a captain’s armband.
Zidane also managed to show his contribution by bringing France ahead first thanks to goals scored in the first half. But unlucky, Zidane actually became a figure that made France fail to win.
The Captain surprisingly gore at the Italian, Marco Materazzi. The incident was so iconic, because it made the captain have to leave the match early after getting a red card from the referee.
Reruns show that Zidane was provoked by what was said by the former Inter Milan player. But neither player is willing to explain the incident.
Claims circulating say that Materazzi had insulted Zidane’s mother, igniting the captain’s anger. Had been silent about it, Materazzi only opened his voice after 14 years had passed.
He asserted that he never mocked or insulted Mrs. Zidane, because he had also lost a mother when she was 15 years old.
“My mother passed away when I was 15 years old, I would never insult her mother. I’m talking about his sister,” said Materazzi.
Materazzi himself did not expect Zidane’s reaction, because throughout the match he was closely guarding the former Real Madrid star.
“I didn’t expect the header, but I think that’s what saved me. If I had expected it, we would both end up in the dressing room sooner. I keep him tight. I keep apologizing when he reacts badly, but the third time, I’m silent. ”
“He told me: ‘If you want you can have my costume after the game.’ I replied: ‘I prefer your sister.’ He said.
Because of Zidane’s red card, France only played with 10 people in the remaining matches. They failed to maintain excellence. 1-1 score lasted until the extra round, and finally Italy won through the shootout.