INDONESIA: SOCCER/FOOTBALL - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meets soccer legend Zinedine Zidane

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono greeted French football maestro Zinedine Zidane in Jakarta on Friday (July 5). "You are very famous here in Indonesia," he said " ou have a lot of fans here who admire you. Once again, I'd like to welcome you all to Jakarta." Zidane, who retired from the sport after being sent off in the World Cup final last year following the head-butting controversy against Italy, arrived in the soccer-crazy country on Friday. Widely regarded as the finest footballer of his generation, Zidane is in Jakarta to attend the opening of Asian Cup, which runs from July 7-29 and is co-hosted by Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. He is also planning to visit a soccer school and give a coaching clinic for young footballers. " I am sure we are going to have a lot of pleasure and a lot of fun here in Indonesia, " said Zidane " It is my first visit and I can see the kindness. I was told a lot about the kindness of Indonesian. And I have seen it since I arrived."

ITN Source | July 7, 2007

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