Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel passed away earlier this month following a Segunda Division match collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono. The tragedy prompted Marco Materazzi to reflect on the potential physical dangers of Zinedine Zidane driving a head into his chest in 2006. The historic confrontation remains contentious, especially after Zidane recently stated he does not regret the action. Lingering friction also persists over an encounter where the French coach disputed recognizing Materazzi during a brief handshake.
Key points
The infamous 2006 World Cup final altercation still troubles Marco Materazzi nearly two d…: The infamous 2006 World Cup final altercation still troubles Marco Materazzi nearly two decades later.
Current France head coach Zinedine Zidane publicly stated that he does not regret deliver…: Current France head coach Zinedine Zidane publicly stated that he does not regret delivering the headbutt.
A brief 2010 handshake failed to permanently resolve tension after Zidane claimed he beli…: A brief 2010 handshake failed to permanently resolve tension after Zidane claimed he believed Materazzi was just a fan.
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Nov 12 : Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi said the death of Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel following an on-field collision had left him thankful he was not seriously injured when Zinedine Zidane headbutted him in the 2006 World Cup final.
Zidane, then captain of France, was sent off for driving his head into Materazzi's chest before Italy won the final on penalties. Zidane, now France coach, said last month that he was not proud of the headbutt but did not regret it.
Materazzi said the incident, one of the most infamous in World Cup history, still troubled him 20 years later.
"The death of Jesus de Miguel made me thank God that nothing had happened to me," he told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport in an interview published on Thursday.
Tenerife striker De Miguel died after colliding with Andorra keeper Jesus Owono during a Segunda Division match earlier this month.
The former Everton and Inter Milan defender said he and Zidane appeared to put the episode behind them when they met before a match in 2010, although Zidane…
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