Noel Le Graet, head of the French Football Federation (FFF), apologised to Zinedine Zidane on Monday after making contentious remarks regarding the former Real Madrid manager.
Before Graet furiously reacted, there were discussions and worries that Zinedine Zidane should likely take Deschamps’ job as the new coach or move to Brazil.
Since berating Zidane in an effort to defend France’s head coach, Didier Deschamps, after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Graet has come under heavy fire. Before falling to Argentina on penalties in a hard-fought match, France advanced to the tournament’s final.
Didier Deschamps’ contract was extended after he led the side to the World Cup final, where they lost to Argentina in Qatar last month. Zidane was one of the front-runners to replace Deschamps as France’s coach. Also Read: Gareth Bale Announces Retirement from Professional Football
La Graet harsh Interview on French Radio
When asked if Zidane had called him to express interest in succeeding Didier Deschamps as coach, Le Graet made the contemptuous joke that he “wouldn’t even have taken his call on the phone.”
Le Graet stated, “I wouldn’t even have answered his call.” “to inform him of what? Dear Sir, Not to worry. Find a different club. I recently reached an agreement with Didier.”
Le Graet also gave a sharp reply to rumors that Zidane wanted to lead the Brazil team.
He remarked, “I would be astonished if he departed for there”.
“He is free to act as he pleases. It is not my concern. We’ve never talked about giving Didier Deschamps up, and I’ve never met him. He is free to go anywhere, including a club. In Europe, he would have access to a sizable club. But in my opinion, a national side is scarcely credible.” Also Read: Didier Deschamps will be France’s coach until the 2026 World Cup
Apology from Noel Le Graet
Following the outcry, the FFF president delivered a statement to AFP that contained a formal apology.
He said, “These embarrassing remarks have led to a misunderstanding”.
In a statement, he said, “I would like to personally apologise for these remarks, which in no way reflect my ideas, nor do I have any regard for the player he was and the coach he has become.
Several players, including Mbappe in support of Zinedine Zidane
Kylian Mbappe, Franck Ribery, Djibril Cisse, Youri Djorkaeff, Florent Pietrus, and sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera have all expressed concern about Le Graet’s remarks.
France and Paris Saint-Germain sensation Kylian Mbappe slammed Le Graet’s remarks, calling them “disrespectful.”
Amelie Oudea-Castera, France’s Sports Minister, also chimed in, demanding an apology from Le Graet for his remarks, which she called “a disgusting lack of respect.”
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