Zinedine Zidane not proud of Materazzi incident

Bengaluru, September 4: Real Madrid manager and French football legend Zinedine Zidane has admitted his regret over the final act of his playing career, when he was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final.

Zidane has opened up about the headbutt on Marco Materazzi that saw his career as a footballer end in disgrace, admitting: "I did not feel proud".

The former France midfielder was famously sent off in the 2006 World Cup final after he launched himself at Italy defender Materazzi, leaving his team-mates to play out a 1-1 draw before the Azzurri eventually won in penalty shootout.

The shocking incident ended the legendary Frenchman's international career, as he had already planned to step down from the national team straight after the tournament.

After watching the footage of the incident during an interview with French broadcaster Telefoot, Zidane admitted that he regretted his final act as a player.

"I did not feel proud," Zidane said.

"I am not proud of this gesture - for all these young people, all these coaches, all those volunteers who make football a different thing.

"But it is part of my career, my life. It is one of those things that - although they are not pleasant - we must accept, that we must digest."

Meanwhile, in the same Telefoot programme, the 45-year-old can be seen crying as he listens to a throwback clip of his father, Smail, speaking to the press.

In the throwback clip, Smail can be heard talking about the huge love that he has for his son, which sets the French icon off.

Zidane's father said: "I am not ashamed to tell him I love him, the grand children, too.

"When I phone them I tell them 'I love you', I said it before, I say it now, and I’ll say it again."