Zinedine Zidane says he has ‘no regrets’ over 2006 World Cup headbutt before France return

Zinedine Zidane says he has no regrets about the headbutt that brought his playing career to an end in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, as he prepares for his first home match as France coach against Italy.

Zidane was sent off during extra time after clashing with Italy defender Marco Materazzi in Berlin. Italy subsequently won the final on penalties.

The incident remains one of the most recognisable moments of Zidane’s career, but the 54-year-old says he would rather focus on the many positive memories from his time as a player.

“The images will always be there to remind me of what happened in 2006, because they are always being shown,” Zidane said at his press conference.

“Fortunately that is not the only thing I did and there were other nicer things, so I try to think more about the positives.

“I don’t have regrets because it was part of my career. I am not proud of what happened. I have said it over and over again, but it is part of my career – you can’t only do wonderful things.”

Zidane has not spoken to Materazzi since the match in Berlin. He also admitted that becoming a coach was not part of his plans when his playing career ended.

“In 2006 I didn’t know I was going to become a coach. I thought that was the end so it was really difficult for me,” he said.

He was appointed France coach in July after Didier Deschamps stepped down following 14 years in charge.

Zidane’s tenure has begun with successive 1-0 away wins against Turkey and Belgium in the Nations League. Friday’s meeting with Italy will be his first match in charge at the Stade de France, with almost 80,000 supporters expected in Saint-Denis.

“It is going to be really emotional,” Zidane said.

France will be without captain Kylian Mbappe after the Real Madrid forward suffered a knee injury while scoring the winning goal against Turkey.

Ousmane Dembele has also rejected suggestions of a dispute with Mbappe following comments concerning the Ballon d’Or. Dembele, who won the award last year, said the disagreement had been overstated on social media.

“There is no issue. We have talked about it. We sit next to each other at the dinner table,” Dembele said.

“It was a social media squabble.”

France face Italy at the Stade de France on Friday in their latest Nations League match.