Zidane: What do you feel are the shortcomings of today’s football? My parents moved from Algeria to France for work.

Zidane was interviewed at the Sports Festival in Trento and talked about his career and views on football.

How did you come into contact with and fall in love with football?

Like all children, I learned to love football on the streets. In Marseille 45 years ago, I always played with a ball and I was passionate about it. I was a Marseille fan at the time. My parents are from Algeria and they moved to France for work, but life was difficult in those days. I'm happy for my kids because they understand respect, which is the most important thing to me.

What do you think is the difference between football in the past and football now?

I think football today feels like something is missing compared to the past. When I watch games I want to see a more attacking style of play and I do miss the football of the past a bit.

What was your experience at Juventus like?

Those years at Juventus were wonderful. I came there from France, and although the football in France is good, it’s not the same as at Juventus. In Turin, I felt that the only goal was to win, always, home or away. One of the things that impressed me most about President Agnelli is that when I played well, he would call me at 6 o'clock in the morning to congratulate me. He is a gentleman and you can tell he is a true football lover.

What is your evaluation of your former teammate Del Piero?

He is very good and one of the strongest players in Italy. I had the privilege of playing with him and a lot of other great players for four or five years. We had a really good team, but Del Piero was special.

Why did the powerful Juventus team fail to win the Champions League?

Winning the Champions League is complicated. We lost both times we reached the finals and I don't know why. It also depends on the club, depending on the goals and plans of the club, it takes a lot to win the Champions League.