Materazzi: I’m on Zidane’s side!

Marco Materazzi has put the 2006 World Cup final behind him by declaring his “support” for Zinedine Zidane in Saturday’s Champions League showpiece.

Materazzi and Zidane etched themselves into World Cup infamy forever when the Frenchman head-butted the defender in extra time at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, Italy going on to win the trophy after penalties.

However, Materazzi was happy to cast history aside and back Real Madrid over Atletico, although he confessed part of his stance was fuelled by Diego Simeone “taking away” a Serie A title from him in 2002.

“I’m supporting Zidane,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“I’m on the side of those who haven’t taken away anything from me. Simeone took a Scudetto away from me with Lazio.

“[Rafa] Benitez? Ask the Madrid players if he was any good. To reach the final, Real Madrid only needed a motivator. Zidane came and they’re here now.”

Tags 2006 World Cup France Italy Marco Materazzi Zinedine Zidane
La Liga - Club News