MADRID Former Real Madrid and France football star Zinedine Zidane says he regrets having headbutted Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final but hed rather die than apologize to the Italian defender.

In an interview with leading Spanish daily El Pais published Monday, Zidane recalled the infamous incident with a sense of shame, but he felt none toward Materazzi.

I apologize to football, to the fans, to the team... After the game, I went into the dressing room and told them, Forgive me. This doesnt change anything. But sorry everyone, he said.

But to him I cant. Never, never...it would be to dishonor me...Id rather die, he added.

The match was Zidanes last after a sparkling career in which he became one of the games most respected players.

But in the 20th minute of extra time of the grueling game, Materazzi insulted Zidane who responded by headbutting the Italian defender violently in the chest. He consequently got sent off and from the sideline saw France lose the match.

Of course I reproach myself, Zidane told El Pais. But, if I say sorry, I would also be admitting that what he did was normal. And for me it was not normal.

Things happen on the pitch. Its happened to me many times. But I could not stand it that time. Because...its not an excuse. But my mother was sick. She was in hospital. This people didnt know.

But it was a bad moment. More than once they had insulted my mother and I never responded. But in that moment...it happened.

If it was Kaka, an ordinary guy, a good guy, of course I would have apologized. But to this one! he said. If I ask forgiveness of him, I lack respect for myself and for all those I love with all my heart.

Materazzi recently told Italys La Repubblica paper he was still waiting for Zidane to apologize and that he was still so angry over the incident that he wont even watch this years tournament in South Africa.

Zidane won two Serie A titles with Italys Juventus and two La Liga titles and a Champions League with Real Madrid as well as the 1998 World Cup. He was voted FIFA World Player of the Year three times.

Now 37, he acts as an informal adviser to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.—AP