Zidane beats Vieira to captaincy of France
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Patrick Vieira, of Arsenal, has lost out on the captaincy of France to Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane. The Marseilles-born playmaker, 30, was yesterday named captain for tomorrow's Euro 2004 qualifier against Malta in Lens. The France coach, Jacques Santini, has left out the regular captain, Marcel Desailly, from the matches with Malta and Israel because the Chelsea defender had not proved his fitness.
Juventus's Lilian Thuram and the Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez had also been touted for the job.
Robert Pires will miss the game against Malta because of an ankle injury sustained during Arsenal's 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup quarter-final replay on Tuesday.
Fulham's Steve Marlet may now take the right-wing spot with Thierry Henry on the left side and the Juventus striker David Trezeguet down the middle.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments