Marco Materazzi has finally revealed what he said to Zinedine Zidane to prompt his World Cup final headbutt.
Zidane thrust his forehead into the chest of the Italy defender, lifting him clean off his feet, and the France captain was sent off for violent conduct.
After months of speculation suggesting Materazzi had made comments of a personal nature, the Inter Milan player confirmed he had made a remark about Zidane's family.
Zidane claims he was frustrated by the Italian's shirt-pulling during the match and he told Materazzi he could have his shirt after the game if he wanted it so badly.
Materazzi said: "I would prefer your sister."
Materazzi has tried to explain his comment. He said: "I answered verbally with a provocation to defend myself. Yes, I was tugging his shirt, but when he said to me scornfully 'If you want my shirt so much I'll give it to you afterwards,' is that not a provocation? I answered that I'd prefer his sister, it's true."
He added: "It's not a particularly nice thing to say, I recognise that. But loads of players say worse things. I didn't even know he had a sister before all this happened."
France and Italy meet again tomorrow in Paris in the qualifiers for Euro 2008.
Zidane will not be playing as he retired after the World Cup final, and Materazzi is suspended for his part in their Berlin altercation.
Zidane thrust his forehead into the chest of the Italy defender, lifting him clean off his feet, and the France captain was sent off for violent conduct.
After months of speculation suggesting Materazzi had made comments of a personal nature, the Inter Milan player confirmed he had made a remark about Zidane's family.
Zidane claims he was frustrated by the Italian's shirt-pulling during the match and he told Materazzi he could have his shirt after the game if he wanted it so badly.
Materazzi said: "I would prefer your sister."
Materazzi has tried to explain his comment. He said: "I answered verbally with a provocation to defend myself. Yes, I was tugging his shirt, but when he said to me scornfully 'If you want my shirt so much I'll give it to you afterwards,' is that not a provocation? I answered that I'd prefer his sister, it's true."
He added: "It's not a particularly nice thing to say, I recognise that. But loads of players say worse things. I didn't even know he had a sister before all this happened."
France and Italy meet again tomorrow in Paris in the qualifiers for Euro 2008.
Zidane will not be playing as he retired after the World Cup final, and Materazzi is suspended for his part in their Berlin altercation.
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