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Zidane head-butt on permanent display in Paris

Updated: 2012-09-27 10:51
( Agencies)

PARIS - Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt on Italian Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final has been immortalised in a statue now on display in Paris.

The five-meter (16 feet) bronze statue, by artist Adel Abdessemed, captures the moment when the French captain lunged at Materazzi's chest during extra time.

Zidane head-butt on permanent display in Paris

A statue depicting former French national soccer team player Zinedine Zidane's (L) head-butt on Italian defender Marco Materazzi during the 2006 final of the soccer World Cup, by Algerian born artist Adel Abdessemed, is seen in front of the Center Pompidou modern art museum in Paris, Sept 26, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Zidane was sent off and never played international football again. France, who won the World Cup in 1998, lost the final to Italy on penalties.

Zidane later said he head-butted Materazzi because of insulting comments the Italian made to him on the pitch.

The statue is being exhibited in front of Paris's Pompidou center and will remain on display until Jan 7 next year.

Recall the head-but event at 2006 World Cup final:

Zidane accepts TV interview on head-butt event

Zidane head-butt image trademarked

FIFA punishes Zidane, Materazzi

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