Zinedine Zidane

"I think it was really a difficult situation for him. His career was ending in 10 minutes and I think trying to come to terms with that and at the same time win a World Cup was . . . it would be just so difficult emotionally and he was probably on the edge without being provoked and then to be provoked probably was just too much for him. I can completely understand how difficult that would be. I think he probably faced some shame, embarrassment, disappointment; but I also think he feels like the guy made some awful remarks and his action was warranted. I dont think he wants the kids to see that, but I also dont think he regrets it. Its tough -- hes one of the top three players to play the game. Hes already won the European Cup, the World Cup and I think everyone, his teammates included, idolize him in his country, so I think hell be quickly forgiven."

"I was lucky to come from a difficult area. It teaches you not just about football but also life. There were lots of kids from different races and poor families. People had to struggle to get through the day. Music was important. Football was the easy part."

"Sometimes I dont know what takes me over during a game. Sometimes I just feel I have moved to a different place and I can make the pass, score the goal or go past my marker at will."

"Its hard to explain but I have a need to play intensely every day, to fight every match hard. And this desire never to stop fighting is something else I learnt in the place where I grew up."

"It was my father who taught us that an immigrant must work twice as hard as anybody else, that he must never give up."

"Zidane is one of the greatest players in history, a truly magnificent player."

"He dominates the ball, he is a walking spectacle and he plays as if he had silk gloves on each foot. He reminds me a bit of myself, although I was a bit quicker. He makes it worthwhile going to the stadium -- hes one of the best I have ever seen."

"Zidane is the master. Over the past 10 years, theres been no-one like him, he has been the best player in the world."

"Technically, I think he is the king of whats fundamental in the game - control and passing. I dont think anyone can match him when it comes to controlling or receiving the ball."

"Zidane is unique. The ball flows with him. He is more like a dancer than a football player."

"He is the best player Ive seen... Playing alongside him was a crazy thing! Supporters arrived earlier at the Bernabeu just to see him warm-up."

"I would give up five players to have Zidane in my squad."