Internet thank you for Zidane
2006-07-10 16:35
Paris - Adidas, the German maker of sportswear and equipment, plans to launch the Internet site mercizidane.fr on Saturday to thank French football star Zinedine Zidane as he retires.
Fans are to write and videotape messages for the former French captain, with one lucky fan set to win the jersey worn by Zidane during the football World Cup final against Italy on Sunday.
Adidas thus confirmed its support for Zidane, a celebrated French playmaker who was sent off in disgrace in the final minutes of the match, which was his last before retirement.
"In no case does it change our relations with Zinedine Zidane, with whom we have been associated since 1996 and until 2017," said Emmanuelle Gaye, director of external relations for Adidas France.
Zidane was named the tournament's best player despite being shown a red card and dismissed after headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest in the second period of extra-time.
The planned Internet site was designed "to invite the French to thank this master of French football for all that he has done," Gaye told AFP.
"People will be able to comment in writing and through videos."
The two best videos are to be given awards, one of which is to be the Adidas jersey worn by Zidane during the final match. AFP