Materazzi admits to the headbutt incident 20 years later

France and Italy met in the 2006 World Cup final. The match ended 1-1, and in the 110th minute of extra time France captain Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in the chest. It was his last match of his career, and he was sent off with a red card. Italy won the penalty shootout 5-3 and lifted the trophy.

Speaking about the incident 20 years later, Materazzi told La Gazzetta dello Sport that what he did was wrong. However, he maintained that Zidane had provoked him, and he apologized. Materazzi said that if Zidane had made a similar statement at the time, the matter would have been closed long ago and Zidane would be remembered as a gentleman.

Materazzi described meeting Zidane in November 2010 in Milan, at a hotel on the eve of the Milan versus Real Madrid match. He said Zidane seemed hesitant, as if he wanted to turn back. Materazzi said he extended his hand and told Zidane to leave the past behind. He added that Zidane later denied everything and claimed to be a fan of his.

Materazzi also referred to Jesus de Miguel, who died recently after an incident during a match in Spain. Materazzi said that Jesus de Miguel's death made him thank God that nothing had happened to him at that moment, and he asked: "Well, what would have happened if this had happened to me?"