When ‘god’ has an impulsivity problem:
I open the WSJ this morning, and what do you know, Zidane’s on the front page: World Cup Mystery: What did ‘Animal’ Say to Anger ‘God’ (by subscription). The article mentions yesterday’s interview, where the non-repentant ZiZou made an “apology” of sorts, saying he has no regrets. You can watch the interview here. The article explains,
Mr. Zidane, appearing on France’s Canal Plus pay-TV, said his quarrel with Italian defender Marco Materazzi began when the Italian tugged his shirt 10 minutes from the end of the 30-minute overtime. Mr. Materazzi, according to Mr. Zidane, then insulted his mother and sister.
Allow me to mention that this is not only the last game of the World Cup – a game that is played only once every four years, but also supposedly is the last game of Zidane’s career. He earns $5.1 million/yr from playing (not including the multiple endorsements, advertising, etc. earnings). One would assume he’s being paid to be professional.
One would assume incorrectly.
But I digress:
“These were words that touched the deepest part of me”, said the 34-year-old Frenchman, seeking to explain why he had head-butted the Italian and got himself thrown out of the game, the last of his long and brilliant career. “I would rather have taken a punch in the jaw than have heard that”.
France ended up finishing the overtime with only 10 players, and then lost in the subsequent penalty shootout. Mr. Zidane is France’s star penalty kicker and had scored from the penalty spot early in the match.
ZiZou still got the MVP award.
France’s reaction to Zi-Zou’s impulsivity problem? An adoration only seen by Argentina for drug-addict Hand of God Maradona; After all, ZiZou’s known as ‘God” by his fans:
President Jacques Chirac, at a meeting with the team Monday at the Elysée Palace, embraced Mr. Zidane and told him: “You are a virtuoso . . . You are also a man of heart, commitment and conviction. That’s whay France admires and loves you.”
Court action:
A member of parliament for France’s ruling party has demanded that Mr. Zidane be given a Legion d’honneur, France’s highest decoration. A French lawyer announced yesterday that he will go to court to try to get the World Cup final invalidated on the grounds that Mr. Zidane’s expulsion was illegal. He wants the match with Italy replayed.”
Advertising contracts are already falling on ZiZou’s lap.
And you ask why I don’t follow soccer?
PS, Go ahead, Head-butt like Zidane!
Update On second thought, three cheers for the Swiss guys!
Update, Friday July 14: ‘God’s’ Mom demands castration. “Some things are bigger than football”, for sure.
(hat tip ¡No Pasarán!)
(technorati tags world cup, World Cup 2006, ZIDANE, France)
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