© EuroFootball.com
Today, the star of the Madrid and France national teams, Zinedine Zidane, was elected the best European football player of the past fifty years. This was revealed at the end of the elections organized by UEFA to determine which 50 players are considered the best European footballers of the past fifty years.
The World and European champion representing the French national team collected 123,582 votes - a thousand more than the second-placed German legend Franz Beckenbauer.
Last week, before announcing the results of these elections, UEFA.com interviewed Zinedine Zidane. Here is the interview:
UEFA.com: Did you expect to win in these elections?
Zinedine Zidane: Just making it to the top twenty is great. It is a huge honor for me to be named among those players who have had the greatest impact on football over the past fifty years. Football is everything to me. It has been my greatest passion. And now, practically at the end of my career, football still brings me joy.
UEFA.com: Who do you consider the best player of the last fifty years?
Zinedine Zidane: For me, it's Pele and Maradona, but there are also other great players: Platini, Beckenbauer, Cruyff. Among the current players, there are Raul and Figo.
UEFA.com: You started your career at AS Cannes in 1988/1989. Could you imagine then that you would one day play for one of the world's best clubs?
Zinedine Zidane: No, in my youth I certainly did not expect to achieve what I have achieved. But now, looking back, I know that I have achieved everything through hard work. I am truly happy being a footballer.
UEFA.com: In your opinion, why do French clubs surprise Europe with their achievements in European club competitions?
Zinedine Zidane: They did the same as Spanish clubs did a few years ago - they gained confidence and belief in themselves. They finally realized that they play at the same level as the most powerful clubs of other countries. In the French league, there are many talented players, and I am happy to see them playing at such a high level.
UEFA.com: You represented Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid during your career. What are the main differences between Spanish, French, and Italian football?
Zinedine Zidane: Each league has specific characteristics, but these countries play technically loved football. English and German football are more different from Spanish, Italian, or French football. The latter three are very similar to each other.
EuroFootball.com presents the top ten results of the elections:
1. Zinedine Zidane (France)
2. Franz Beckenbauer (Germany)
3. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
4. Marco van Basten (Netherlands)
5. Dino Zoff (Italy)
6. Alfredo di Stefano (Spain)
7. Eusebio (Portugal)
8. Lev Yashin (Russia)
9. Michel Platini (France)
10. Paolo Maldini (Italy)
