Chirac hails Zidane
Afp, Paris
President Jacques Chirac hailed French captain Zinedine Zidane -- sent off for violent conduct in the World Cup final against Italy -- as a "football genius" at a lunch for the French team Monday.Chirac, who had attended Sunday evening's final in Berlin where Zidane was red-carded for headbutting the chest of an Italian player, made only a veiled allusion to the incident. "What I want to say to you at the most intense, perhaps the hardest moment of your career, is the admiration and affection of an entire nation, and also its respects," he said, as Elysee Palace staff applauded. He added: "You are a virtuoso, a genius of world football, you are also a man of heart, of commitment and of conviction. That is why France admires you and loves you." France lost the final on penalties after the match finished 1-1 at the end of extra time, Zidane having opened the scoring with a first-half penalty. His red card however in the second period of extra time deprived France of their most inspirational player and their first-choice penalty taker. The French team touched down earlier at Charles de Gaulle airport outside Paris where around 100 supporters cheered their return. An hour later their coach parked outside the Elysee Palace in central Paris where several hundred supporters clapped and shouted "merci les Bleus" as the players were greeted one by one by Chirac and his wife Bernadette on the steps of the presidential residence. French coach Raymond Domenech was also on hand, as was Djibril Cisse, who had been ruled out of the World Cup after being injured in the final warm-up game, and the players' wives and girlfriends. Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez was the only absentee from the reception, having been excused for family reasons. Chirac said there was obviously "a certain sadness and disappointment" but that "you have given us some unforgettable moments, you have given us huge joy and immense pride." He also praised Domenech and the French management staff. The president, whose mandate expires next year, said the team had shown the nation how to act together for the common good. "Over and above your exploits, you showed that France is strong when it is united in its diversity and when it is confident in itself."
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