Zinedine Zidane landed in Sao Paulo airport with less than substantial fanfare. There were few journalists and even fewer fans, but Zidane was still excited about visiting the most skillful soccer country in the world. He made his way to a shanty town in the outskirts of Sao Paulo, only to confront myriads of frothing fans, children and reporters that were eager to catch a glimpse of his monkish bald spot. Unfortunately for fans, Zidane wasn’t having any of it. He left after only seven minutes of shanty hell and went on to play in an indoor exhibition match that his team ultimately lost. No worries. Zidane mesmerized at least one young, Brazilian fan who swore to cheer on France for the rest of his life.

Zidane was even more rusty come an indoor exhibition match a little later. He had already made a fan in 11-year-old Guilherme Gomes de Assis, who won a signed France shirt from the former world player of the year.

An excited Guilherme declared he would henceforth support France, taking a swipe at Brazil’s ailing star Ronaldo. “Ronaldo is fat and no longer scores goals,” said the boy. “I prefer Zidane.”

He believes Zidane scored goals during the latter part of his career. Isn’t that sweet? We’ll be waiting for Ronaldo’s rebuttal.

Zidane shows Brazilians that he’s still got all the magic - and no butts [Daily Mail]
Image [Daily Mail]