It could be called the "Zidane effect". The aura and charisma that Zizou displayed on the field seem to have remained unchanged even on the bench. The emotions of the new national team coach, who is expected to make his debut with France, were not the only ones in the press conference room, as some of those present also surrendered to the charm of the great champion. Among them was a Turkish journalist, who took the opportunity of a question to ask Zidane for an autograph. An unusual situation, since communication professionals are not usually expected, especially during questions, to give in to the desire to take a "souvenir" with them.
But that's what happened to the TRT correspondent, who was there to ask the former Bordeaux, Juventus and Real Madrid star about the upcoming Nations League match between Turkey and France. He initially expressed his happiness, to the point that the possibility of facing Zidane seemed almost unbelievable, and then asked his question by mentioning a footballer who, like Zizou, wears the Merengue jersey and dreams of a bright future, namely Guler: "For me, it's a dream to be here in front of you. In fact, my question as a journalist is this: do you think there will be other Zidane's? You have managed Real Madrid and Arda Guler is at Real Madrid. Do you think there will be other players like you?"
An interesting question, but it didn't end there, as the journalist decided to overcome his emotions and publicly ask his interlocutor for an autograph: "And I'm a big fan of yours, I brought a book. Can you sign it for me?" Of course, Zidane was surprised, but he responded positively, postponing the meeting until later, after the press conference had ended smoothly: "We'll do it later, no problem."
Returning to the real question, the coach who inherited Deschamps's job showed intelligence and prudence in his answer, shifting the focus away from himself: "Arda Guler is undoubtedly a very great Turkish player who plays for Real Madrid. He has a lot of personality and knows very well what he is doing at his age. That is why I am happy for him and for Real Madrid, that they have a player like him. And then, as for the players and if there will be other Zidane... Today they are the players of the French national team. They are very strong. I am happy to have these players, that I can lead this team. There is really a lot of quality and I hope to have a lot of fun with this team".
Years pass, roles within football change, but admiration for idols remains unchanged. And so it was with this Turkish journalist, who thanks to the Nations League realized one of his dreams. It is enough to think that for a moment he put aside his work to surrender to emotions, aware that perhaps it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
