Farewill Zizou...

No matter what happaned on the football pitch that night, no one can take away your talent. You have been a great joy to watch, you made playing football look easy. Just as an artist strokes oil on his canvas so gracefully, you caress the ball to move in the path you wanted it to. And move it does, with elegance...

In the Finals in france '98, you were an emerging talent, scoring 2 goals to condemn brazil to a defeat no one expected. Back in the year 2002, you scored with that wonderful volley against bayer leverkusen, a goal that would be hard to emulate for years to come. In this edition of world cup, you taught the brazilians a thing or two about football artistry when you tapped the ball over the head of ze roberto, just like what pele did. And it's funny the way you protect the ball. No one seems to be able to get the ball away from you without drawing a foul.

As Henry said after the 06 finals, "we play as a team, we lose as a team". As a fan of yours, I don't blame you for what happened. The team just lacked that bit of luck and energy to emerge as winners again. However, for me, you have nothing left to prove. That trademark pirouette, the grace of a ballet dancer, the control you have over every inch of the pitch will live with your fans forever...

Football is not an individual game, but you bring out the individuality in football.

Thank you, Zizou... I am priviliged to have lived to see you play. And Farewell!