RABAT – The son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, Luca, made his debut at the African Championship in goal for Algeria on Wednesday and said that he pleased his Algerian grandfather above all.
The now twenty-seven-year-old goalkeeper represented his native France at the youth level, but his famous father also supported him when he changed the national team.
Luca Zidane made his first appearance for Algeria in October’s qualification for the World Cup and quickly became a member of the national team. Even in front of his father, he helped coach Vladimir Petkovič to win the African Cup of Nations on Wednesday. In the 3-0 win over Sudan, the goalkeeper of second division Spanish Granada did not have much to do, but he made an important save at 1-0.
They had Algerian culture in their family since childhood
“When I think of Algeria, I remember my grandfather. We have had Algerian culture in our family since childhood,” said the younger Zidane, whose father Zinédine was already born in France to Algerian immigrants, for BeIN Sports France.
“I spoke to my grandfather before I decided to play for Algeria and he was very happy about it. Every time I am nominated he calls me and says I made a good decision and that he is proud of me.”
His father was a star midfielder, world and European champion, winner of the Champions League and winner of the Ballon d’Or. “He also supported me. He told me: ‘It’s your choice. I can give you some advice, but the final decision will be yours alone’.” stated Luca Zidane.
“From the moment the coach and the president of the association approached me, it was clear to me that I wanted to represent Algeria. Then, of course, I talked to my family and everyone was happy for me.” said the twenty-seven-year-old Zidane.
In order to avoid comparisons with his father as much as possible, he not only chose the goalkeeping profession, but always played in a shirt with the name “Luca”. But in the national team, he wears his last name on his back. “It is important for me to honor my grandfather with this. The jersey with his name is for him.” said Luca Zidane, who can also play in the World Cup with Algeria next year.
- Author: © List/
- Source: CTK
