Le Graet apologises to Zidane following controversial comments

The French Football Federation confirmed on Saturday that Didier Deschamps will stay as France’s manager until 2026.

Following this news, the

Football Federation president Noel Le Graet said that he did not care whether Zidane becomes Brazil's manager and he wouldn’t even pick up the phone if the French legend calls him.

Those comments sparked outrage and both

and

publicly criticised Le Graet for disrespecting Zidane. Even France’s Minister for Sports asked Le Graet to apologise.

In an interview with AFP on Monday, Le Graet apologised for his comments.

"These awkward remarks created a misunderstanding,"

said Le Graet, who has been FFF president since June 2011.

"I'd like to present my personal apologies for these remarks which absolutely do not reflect my thoughts, nor my consideration for the player he was and the coach he's become.”

In defence of Zidane, Kylian Mbappe wrote on Twitter:

“Zidane, he is France. You don’t show a lack of respect to a legend like that”.

Real Madrid also said that

“These remarks show a lack of respect for one of the most admired figures by football fans around the world and our club is awaiting an immediate correction.”

“Zinedine Zidane, World and European champion representing his country, amongst many other honours, he embodies the values of the sport and has proven this throughout his professional career as a player and as a coach.”

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