Post by alicia on Aug 10, 2007 9:09:15 GMT 10
By Tom Smithies
August 10, 2007 12:00am
SYDNEY FC's date with David Beckham is set to become even more electrifying with the revelation that French superstar Zinedine Zidane has begun negotiations to be a guest player for Branko Culina's men that night.
The Daily Telegraph has learnt that Zidane's representatives are in talks about a one-off special appearance against his former Real Madrid teammate when FC play Galaxy here on November 27.
While discussions are described as "at an early stage" it's believed the approach from the decorated former international is serious, though no figures have yet been discussed.
Millions of dollars have already been invested by Football Federation Australia, the NSW government and Channel Ten in the visit of Galaxy in November, so a hefty appearance fee for Zidane is unlikely to be a problem.
The prospect of two men who were part of the most glamorous club side in the world facing off at Telstra Stadium will create even more excitement around a game that is likely to be televised across most of Asia and North America.
Tickets went on sale to the general public on Wednesday yet already an unprecedented 45,000 have been sold of the 80,000 capacity.
Ironically, earlier this year Galaxy approached Zidane to join Beckham in America, an offer they say is still open.
One of the finest players ever to grace the international stage and a World Cup winning leader of France, Zidane's swansong for his country became a shameful early exit from last year's World Cup final for headbutting Italian Marco Materazzi.
It was a tragic end to an illustrious career in which Zidane captained France to success at both the 1998 World Cup - in the final of which he scored two goals - and the 2000 European Championship.
Zidane retired after his sending off in Berlin, and has since played in charity matches raising money to end child illness and poverty, as well as being a UN ambassador.
Known to millions as Zizou, the sublimely graceful midfielder was three times World Player of the Year and his transfer fee when joining Madrid was a record $113m.
The stunning volley he scored in the 2002 Champions League final, which won the trophy for Real, was recently voted the third greatest goal of all time.
He and Beckham were united at Real as part of the Galacticos project, bringing together the world's game's biggest names in a reckless pursuit of glory.
Zidane retired from international football in 2004 but was persuaded out of exile when France were struggling to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
Not only did he oversee Les Bleus' qualification but led France's charge to the final, knocking out Brazil and Portugal en route. He also scored France's first goal in the final before disgracing himself with the headbutt on Materazzi.
Beckham meanwhile 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.
A 15-minute cameo in an exhibition game with Chelsea - largely to keep the sponsors happy - has been his only time on the park in Galaxy colours and even training so far has been light.
"I think it's always frustrating for a sportsman when you can't do what you love doing," said Beckham. "It's very frustrating because it's an injury that has had me out for almost eight weeks.
"It's getting better, improving every day, but I would want it to be a bit quicker, but obviously (that is) a natural thing."
Source: www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22218365-5001021,00.html
August 10, 2007 12:00am
SYDNEY FC's date with David Beckham is set to become even more electrifying with the revelation that French superstar Zinedine Zidane has begun negotiations to be a guest player for Branko Culina's men that night.
The Daily Telegraph has learnt that Zidane's representatives are in talks about a one-off special appearance against his former Real Madrid teammate when FC play Galaxy here on November 27.
While discussions are described as "at an early stage" it's believed the approach from the decorated former international is serious, though no figures have yet been discussed.
Millions of dollars have already been invested by Football Federation Australia, the NSW government and Channel Ten in the visit of Galaxy in November, so a hefty appearance fee for Zidane is unlikely to be a problem.
The prospect of two men who were part of the most glamorous club side in the world facing off at Telstra Stadium will create even more excitement around a game that is likely to be televised across most of Asia and North America.
Tickets went on sale to the general public on Wednesday yet already an unprecedented 45,000 have been sold of the 80,000 capacity.
Ironically, earlier this year Galaxy approached Zidane to join Beckham in America, an offer they say is still open.
One of the finest players ever to grace the international stage and a World Cup winning leader of France, Zidane's swansong for his country became a shameful early exit from last year's World Cup final for headbutting Italian Marco Materazzi.
It was a tragic end to an illustrious career in which Zidane captained France to success at both the 1998 World Cup - in the final of which he scored two goals - and the 2000 European Championship.
Zidane retired after his sending off in Berlin, and has since played in charity matches raising money to end child illness and poverty, as well as being a UN ambassador.
Known to millions as Zizou, the sublimely graceful midfielder was three times World Player of the Year and his transfer fee when joining Madrid was a record $113m.
The stunning volley he scored in the 2002 Champions League final, which won the trophy for Real, was recently voted the third greatest goal of all time.
He and Beckham were united at Real as part of the Galacticos project, bringing together the world's game's biggest names in a reckless pursuit of glory.
Zidane retired from international football in 2004 but was persuaded out of exile when France were struggling to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
Not only did he oversee Les Bleus' qualification but led France's charge to the final, knocking out Brazil and Portugal en route. He also scored France's first goal in the final before disgracing himself with the headbutt on Materazzi.
Beckham meanwhile 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.
A 15-minute cameo in an exhibition game with Chelsea - largely to keep the sponsors happy - has been his only time on the park in Galaxy colours and even training so far has been light.
"I think it's always frustrating for a sportsman when you can't do what you love doing," said Beckham. "It's very frustrating because it's an injury that has had me out for almost eight weeks.
"It's getting better, improving every day, but I would want it to be a bit quicker, but obviously (that is) a natural thing."
Source: www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22218365-5001021,00.html
