"The new Zidane"-Ferguson

Man Utd boss Ferguson: Benzema new Zidane - March 03, 2008


Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson regards Lyon star Karim Benzema as the 'new Zinedine Zidane'.

Fergie said: "He is a very strong boy, he reminds me of Zidane physique-wise and possibly pace-wise too.

"He is a natural centre-forward I think."

source: http://zinedine-zidane-news.newslib.com/story/1409-3238159/

Materazzi Wins Libel Action Against Daily Star Over Zidane Head-Butt

Inter defender Marco Materazzi has won a libel action against the Daily Star after the newspaper published a series of false articles relating to Zinedine Zidane’s sending off during the 2006 World Cup final.

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Zidane was infamously red-carded during Italy’s victory over France in Berlin after he head-butted Materazzi in the chest in extra time.

The next day the Daily Star, printed a series of defamatory articles in which they said that Zidane reacted after Materazzi called the Frenchman’s mum a “terrorist whore”.

It was later revealed by 'The Matrix' that Zidane’s sister was the subject of the insult and that no racism or the word "terrorist" was ever used, however the newspaper failed to correct their error or apologise.

This left them open to libel, and Materazzi’s lawyers issued a High Court action for damages in July 2007, claiming “enormous damage to the footballer’s reputation”.

The 34-year-old’s lawyer, Steven Heffer, has revealed that the Daily Star have agreed to publicly apologise and will now have to pay the Matrix damages plus foot the bill for legal costs.

“The Daily Star now accepts that these allegations are wholly untrue and there is no question of Marco having said anything of a racist nature to Zidane whatsoever,” said Heffer.

“The Daily Star agreed to apologise publicly to Marco Materazzi, both in the newspaper and by way of statement in court. The Daily Star will also be paying substantial damages and his legal costs.”

source: http://zinedine-zidane-news.newslib.com/story/1409-3238158/

Ronaldo will back in action-Zidane

The Brazilian ruptured the tendon in his knee last week, and after undergoing surgery he is expected to be out of the game for at least nine-to-twelve months.

At the age of 31, and having already suffered this same injury twice in his career, many believe that the player’s career is over.

However Zidane who played with Ronaldo at Real Madrid is confident that his friend will pull through.

"I have played a long time with him, we are very good friends,” said the Frenchman. "It is true that I've seen him and spoken on the phone, it is sad.

"He came back even stronger [from injury] in the World Cup of 2002. It is true that his age is important, but I hope he can do it again."

Zidane, who retired from the game in 2006, was the centre of an amusing story earlier in the week regarding Ronaldo.

Having rung up the hospital where the Brazilian was staying, Zidane asked to speak to the bed-ridden star but was refused permission because the telephone operator did not know who Zidane was.

source: http://zinedine-zidane-news.newslib.com/story/1409-3238141/