For Zinédine Zidane, Thierry Gilardi remains a significant figure in football. He fondly remembers his voice, his intelligence and his ability to translate the emotions of the game into the right words. During the 2006 World Cup final, at the time of Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi, Gilardi commented: “Zinedine. Not that Zinedine, not that, not today…”words which, according to the 1998 World Champion, reflected a sincerity and accuracy rare in sports commentary, marking Zidane deeply.
“Thierry Gilardi was “Mr. Football” for me. I loved his voice too. His intelligence as well because he knew how to transmit emotions, translate them precisely. He was already relevant in his analyses. He found the words. With him, they had their meaning. It’s not easy to say… In 2006, when what happened in the final (his headbutt on Marco Materazzi) and he said what he said… He was right. Anyone could have massacred me, 99% of the commentators would have destroyed me, but he is fair. He says things sincerely. It does something to me every time. Thierry Gilardi touched me, he left his mark on me. » Zidane explained to The Team.
