Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi has revealed that the death of Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel, following an on-field collision during a football match, made him reflect on his infamous incident with Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final.
Materazzi admitted that he feels fortunate not to have suffered serious injuries from the headbutt he received from former France captain Zidane in one of the most unforgettable moments in football history.
“Jesus de Miguel’s death made me thank God that nothing happened to me,” Materazzi said.
The tragic incident involved Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Segunda Division match in Spain earlier this month.
Materazzi’s incident with Zidane took place during the 2006 World Cup final between Italy and France. At one point in the match, Zidane headbutted Materazzi in the chest following an exchange between the two players. The French captain was subsequently shown a red card for his actions.
Italy went on to win the match on penalties, claiming the World Cup title.
Materazzi, a former Inter Milan and Everton player, also spoke about a later encounter with Zidane in 2010, before a match. According to the Italian, both men had moved on from the incident that had taken place in the 2006 final.
“When he saw me, he hesitated for a moment and even turned around as if he wanted to walk away. But I approached him and extended my hand: ‘I’m glad we’re meeting here, where nobody can see us,’” Materazzi recalled.
According to Materazzi, Zidane replied that there was nothing to worry about, as such things happen and everything was in the past.
However, Materazzi expressed his disappointment that the former French footballer later denied his version of their encounter, claiming that he had mistaken him for a fan.