Zidane urges hard work for Asians to reach European level

Dhaka, Nov 7 (UNI) Soccer superstar Zinedine Zidane today offered words of encouragement to players from Asian countries including Bangladesh, saying that if they work hard there were nothing to stop them from attaining the European standard in future.

''If footballers of Asia including Bangladesh work hard, they will be able to achieve the European standard within a certain period. But they have to start with budding players,'' Zidane told reporters at a crowded press conference at Bangladesh Football Federation House.

Asked about any sad experience in his career, Zidane refused to mention the infamous head-butting incident, saying, ''I have passed the prime of my career. There were some sad incidents, but those were part of my career.'' He also parried a query regarding comparison with legendary French footballer Michel Platini, he said, ''I was a fan of Platini, I am still one of his fans.'' Zizou also said Pele and Maradona were great footballers of their time.

Zidane, who came here last night on the invitation of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Muhammad Yunus, said he was extremely happy to come to Bangladesh. ''I am overwhelmed to see the football craze here,'' he said.

He received riotous welcome from soccer fans in the capital and adjoining Gazipur.

A group of young girls, attired in yellow and pink, greeted the captain of 1998 FIFA World Cup champions France, with traditional dance accompanied by a patriotic song.

He spent a few minutes playing football at the BFF mini ground with local budding footballers, dressed-up in the jerseys of France and Bangladesh.

Zidane, who guided France to the FIFA World Cup final in Germany this year, further said that he would be happy and proud if he could do something for the budding footballers of Bangladesh.

After the press conference, Zidane along with Dr Yunus went to Bangladesh National Stadium in a horse-driven carriage and made a lap inside the stadium before the start of an exhibition match amid huge cheers from some 20,000 strong crowd.

The under-16 football teams of the country's two popular clubs -- Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club -- played a match in honour of Zidane.

Zidane played some 25 minutes in the match for the two teams, first for Abahani and next for Mohammedans.

Earlier in the morning, Zidane visited Kashar Bashulia and Mazlishpur villages in Gazipur district to see Grameen Bank activities. He also took part in an exhibition football match at the Mazlishpur Primary School ground in Kaultia Union at noon in presence of a huge crowd.

Zidane came here at the invitation of Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus to inaugurate the first factory of Grameen-Danone Foods to be set up in Bogra.

He will attend the inaugural ceremony of Grameen-Danone joint venture at Sonargaon Hotel tomorrow morning and leaves here in the evening.

UNI XC PDS DB2134