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Zidane, Beckham head-to-head?
10/08/2007 14:05 - (SA)
Sydney - French football legend Zinedine Zidane is in talks with Sydney FC for a one-off guest appearance against David Beckham's LA Galaxy here in November, reports said on Friday.
LA Galaxy, boosted by the multi-million dollar signing of Beckham, are scheduled to face Sydney FC in a money-spinning friendly at Sydney's Olympic stadium on November 27.
The Daily Telegraph said while discussions were at an early stage, it was believed the approach from Zidane's management was serious, although money had not yet been discussed.
The paper said while millions of dollars had already been invested by Football Federation Australia, the New South Wales state government and television broadcaster in the Galaxy visit, a hefty appearance fee for Zidane was unlikely to be a problem.
The Sydney match is likely to be televised across most of Asia and North America.
Zidane retired from football in shameful circumstances when he was sent off in the 2006 World Cup final in Berlin for head-butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest.
The Frenchman claimed the Italian had taunted him and made crude remarks about his family.
Zidane has since played in charity matches raising money towards child illness and poverty, as well as being a UN ambassador.
Beckham has struggled with an ankle injury since joining Galaxy last month and is yet to make his competitive debut for the Major League Soccer team.
Under the terms of his deal, Beckham could earn up to $250m over the next five years, making him one of the world's highest paid sportsman.
Major League Soccer and the Galaxy's owners are banking on Beckham's presence to help give football in the United States a fresh surge of interest.
- SAPA
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