FFF chief Le Graet apologises after Zinedine Zidane insults

French football federation (FFF) presient Noel Le Graet had to apologise to Zinedine Zidane on Monday after insulting the former Real Madrid coach.

Le Graet said that his words "don't reflect at all what I think, nor my respect for the player that he was, nor for the coach he has become."

After renewing Didier Deschamps's contract until 2026 Le Graet spoke on RMC radio and was asked about Zidane.

"I don't give a shit, he can go where he wants," said the chief in a tone between joking and disdain. "He can go where he wants to a club."

"I wouldn't pick up the phone to him, I'd tell him hello mister, don't worry, look for another club because I'm sticking with Didier."

He was blasted by various people, including Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe and the French sports minister, so had to apologise for his "out of place" comments. 

Le Graet said he should not have done the interview because "they were looking for controversy by pitting Didier with Zinedine Zidane, two monuments of French football. I admit having said mistaken things that created a misunderstanding.

"Zidane knows the immense esteem I have for him, like all French people."