FFF President, Noel Le Graet apologises for ‘clumsy’ Zidane statement

French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has apologised for his comments towards Zinedine Zidane following widespread backlash.

Le Graet had earlier stated that he ‘did not give a damn’ about Zidane’s next move and added that he would not even pick up the phone for a call from the former midfielder. With Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid leaping to Zidane’s defence.

Mbappe had tweeted “Zidane is France, we don’t disrespect the legend like that…” in response to Le Graet’s comments.

President of FFF Noel LE GRAET during the FFF General Assembly on January 7, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Sandra Ruhaut/Icon Sport)

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Following the resulting backlash the FFF president released a statement apologising and admitting his statement was clumsy.

“I would like to apologise for these remarks, which absolutely do not reflect my views, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he has become,” a statement read.

“I gave an interview to RMC that I should not have given because they were looking for controversy by opposing Didier and Zinedine Zidane, two greats of French football.

“I admit that I made some clumsy remarks which created a misunderstanding.“

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