Zidane declines Uefa offer

Zinedine Zidane turns down a chance to play for a Europe XI against Manchester United.

Zinedine Zidane has turned down a chance to play for a Europe XI in Tuesday night's clash against Manchester United.

The former World Cup winner declined an invitation from Uefa to play in the showpiece clash at Old Trafford.

Zidane's career ended in shame when he was sent-off for head-butting Italy's Marco Materazzi in the chest in last year's World Cup final.

Internazionale defender Materazzi is set to play in the charity match, which marks the 50th anniversaries of Manchester United's European Cup debut and the signing of the Treaty of Rome.

The star-studded Europe XI will be coached by Italy's World Cup-winning boss Marcello Lippi.

Lippi confirmed that Zidane had declined the offer to play in the clash, but did not regard his decision as a personal snub.

"UEFA sent the invite, not me. But it came back negative at the last minute," Lippi explained.

Milan's Paolo Maldini and Ronaldo will figure for the Europe XI alongside Barcelona's Ronaldinho and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard.