Zinédine Zidane: "Being shy, it helped me through life"
June 2006 issue of "Psychologies"
translated from French by missanemone and
shinraisei
At every step, charitable hands offered to hold my mic, mothers brought photos
of their sons dressed in football gear to get signed. And for the choice of the
cover, the girls from Editing were ecstatic over the assorted shades of green of
the eye to the t-shirt. (Note: In other words, the editing dept. were fangirling)
Never has a "Divan" (Note: Section in the magazine where they interview certain
celebreties) unleashed such turmoil (or effervescence). Of course, Zidane's more
than just a star: he's a hero.
He says he's lucky to be able to play football a bit better than everyone else
and that there is no reason to make a story about it. A hero who takes himself
only as a footballer, it's gorgeous.
Psychologies: Why did you accept to take part in an interview with
Psychologie Magazine when all the press is asking (for an interview with you too)?
Zinedine Zidane: Because I read [Psychologie], so it seemed normal for me to
take part in this interview. Althoug, I must admit that it's my wife who buys it
and mostly her who reads it. It interests her for the education on children...on
life. All comes (or passes) through psychology, no?
So, what's it like to be a young retiree?
Wait, not yet! I have no idea what it is you're talking about. [Laughs]. There's
still some important things left to play! We'll talk about that later.
Is there one thig that you dream you could do and that you'll realize when
you've quit football?
Yes. Going back to my homecountry (Algeria) with my dad. There. That's one thing
that I hold dear to my heart and that I'll realize. Taking him back to where he
grew up, in the village of Bedjaï, in the mountains, where he was a sheep herder.
It's that kind of answer that makes people love who you are before admiring
the footballer. Are you consciouss of the fact that the world adores you?
I know that people have the impression that I stayed normal and that's what
pleases them. They make me understand that when they run into me in the streets.
They like what I do in football, but they like that I've stayed simple too. I'm
lucky to be able to play a little bit better than other, that's not a reason for
me to take myself for someone else. My parents raised me that way, they taught
me to be whole, honest. I can never thank them enough (for what they've taught
me).
You thank them for being the way you are. They must be very proud.
Yes. I know they're proud of me, especially to see that I've stayed the same.
You come from a disadvantaged Marseille neightbourhood. How do you explain
yourself, you having gotten out, contrary to other kids who played without a
doubt just as good (football)?
In big part thanks to my family. Before having become a footballer, I was a
loved son, protect from everything because I was the youngest of 5 children. I
didn't receive love in lyrics like the ones we give to children today, my
parents has no expression (of love). My father never told me "I love you, I love
you, I love you", and yet, they loved me more than anything. He proved it to me
through protecting me.
How did football come to your life? What did you have more than the others?
When I was kid, I was with ten of my buddies playing football together everyday.
The difference between us is that with me, I only had football in my mind. My
buddies liked it very much, but they also liked going to the movies or to go out
with girlfriends. Me, it was football, football, football. I wasn’t successful
with my studies; I only had football in my mind. I said to myself: “If I do not
do my studies, it is necessary that I do that (play football). But it is
necessary that I do it thoroughly.” I’ve always understood that when one really
wants something, one should focus on it intently and not be distracted by other
desires.
You feel rather French, Algerian or … Marseillaise?
Of everywhere … but rather Marseillaise. Because it is where I was born,
where I grew, where I have most of my memories. It is there that I started to
play with the ball. These memories are engraved in my head. It is always
important to return to one’s origins, one’s district, to people whom one liked.
That will keep your feet firmly planted on the ground.
You have been married to the same woman for a long time …
… Yes, we knew each other very early.
What do you do to keep this love and not be tempted by supermodels, like many
other champions?
It cannot be explained, that was seen, that is all. It is the meeting of two
people.
There was a published report on the profit earnings of football players. You
are the sixth-highest paid player in the world. Do you feel guilty about it with
respect to your parents?
Not at all. I did not steal that money. If it is given to me, it is that I
deserve it even though many people do much more important things than what I do
on the pitch. You know, my dad did not earn a lot, nobody helped us. He managed
all alone and he taught his children how to be adults. Today, they collect what
my dad and my mom had sowed. It is alright and I am content for them.
Do you believe?
I am Muslim, believing – I think that there is somebody up there who created
everything – but I’m not practising. The important thing is what is in deep
inside of us. If one looks closely, every religion is about the same. The
important things are the values that are instilled in one, more than the
practice of a religion.
You followed what had happened in the suburbs?
I am kept informed. I’ve looked at a lot of information and I am affected by all
of these problems. But it is very difficult for me to give my point of view. I
have my own views/positions, but I do not want to spread out them.
You have always been quiet. Doesn't that hinder you?
No, it is part of my charm [he laughs]. In fact, being quiet helped me.
Sometimes, it is better to listen and look than to speak. To watch and learn.
Afterwards when you have an understanding, you can speak. It is necessary to
think before speaking.
It is a burden being a national hero?
No. It is just a little burdensome when I want to be alone with my wife and my
children. But besides these moments, I benefit from all that comes to me. I
never forget the luck that I have.
What would make you say that you have led a successful life?
If my children think that I have been a good dad.