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Zinedine Zidane (Reuters)
Great fury in France about the chairman of the local association Noel Le Grat. Yesterday, his statement towards Zinedine Zidane, who is considered a legend in the national team (“I would not answer him”) created a big media storm, which led to an unequivocal headline in the Lakip newspaper: “Unacceptable!”. The media even asked for a response from ‘Zizou’, who refused to comment on the matter.
In addition to Kylian Mbappe who came out against the chairman of the association (“Don’t underestimate a legend like Zidane”), former players such as Franck Ribery and Djibril Cessa (“My face when I heard what La Grat said”) condemned the statement of the one who recently closed with coach Didier Deschamps on a contract extension until 2026.
Real Madrid also issued an official statement condemning the words of the chairman of the association: “These words imply a lack of respect towards one of the most revered figures by football fans around the world and our club expects an immediate correction. Zinedine Zidane, the world champion and European champion who also won many titles in the national team, represents the values of the sport and has proven this throughout his professional career as a player and coach.”
Real’s statement also reads: “The statements of the president of the French Football Federation are not suitable for the person who holds the current position and also what he said about our player, the current Ballon d’Or winner, the Nations League champion with France in 2021 and winner of the 5 Champions League, Karim Benzema.”
You delight me ♂️. On the other hand, it will be necessary to think of consulting quickly.
Zizou— Franck Ribery (@FranckRibery) January 8, 2023
Journalist Florian Gazzan from ‘RTL’ wondered following the storm: “Perhaps Deschamps will find himself outside the team. Imagine a situation where Mbappe refuses to play for the tricolor as long as Le Grat is president of the French Federation? And frankly, I encourage him to do it!”
Minister of Sports in France Amelie Oda-Castra Le Grat demanded to apologize: “Shameful lack of respect that hurts us all, towards a football and sports legend. “President” of the association in France cannot talk like that. Apologize to Zidane for your words, please.”
