The lights will come up at Stade Saint-Symphorien without one of the evening’s most anticipated guests. Zinédine Zidane will not take part in Robert Pirès’ tribute match in Metz on Tuesday night, after France duty left the new national-team coach tied up with his staff.
Zidane forced to miss Pirès celebration
Pirès’ jubilee match, scheduled to kick off at 20:45, will be played in three periods in honour of the former France and Arsenal midfielder. Zidane, his 1998 World Cup-winning team-mate and close friend, had hoped to attend but ultimately had to withdraw.
Speaking inside the Metz stadium less than two hours before kick-off, Pirès confirmed the news: “Unfortunately, he will not be here.”
- Zidane completed his first France training camp on Monday evening, when Les Bleus came from behind to beat Belgium 4-1 at the Stade de France.
- The result was France’s third victory in four UEFA Nations League matches under their new coach.
- Rather than travelling immediately to Metz, Zidane spent Tuesday working with his staff to review the camp and prepare for France’s next international fixtures in November.
- He had been particularly busy over the previous fortnight and was said to be exhausted, despite wanting to stand alongside Pirès for the occasion.
Other late absences in Metz
Didier Drogba was also unable to attend, despite having been among the names announced in the build-up to the event.
Bixente Lizarazu did make the trip to Saint-Symphorien and was present beside the pitch, but the former France defender will not play. A virus has weakened him in recent days, although he was determined not to miss Pirès’ celebration entirely.
