[weeeow]

Marco Materazzi has embraced his reputation as a hated figure in football. “As long as I’m winning, I don’t care.”

The defender has long been a controversial player for his rough style, fiery temper and trash talking, which FIFA stated provoked Zinedine Zidane into a headbutt during the 2006 World Cup Final.

Now he finds himself a key member of an Inter side that is breaking Serie A records, but has lost the ‘likeable’ edge of previous years.

“Inter are no longer liked? I know something about that. I was, I am and I always will be disliked – but finally a winner. This year everyone tried to highlight our supposed tension, but on the field we silenced them all.”

Even Nerazzurri President Massimo Moratti has seen the tide of public opinion turn against him. After an altercation with an opposition fan in the street this week, police confirmed he had received a bullet in the post, although it was considered “more of a practical joke than a real threat.”

“We really have scraped the bottom of the barrel,” sighed Materazzi when asked about this incident. “I only hope it was a stupid joke. Moratti is one of the clearest people in our football, but sometimes these things have nothing to do with sport, they are just decoys.”

He also shook off accusations that Inter have only dominated this season – and picked up the 2005-06 Scudetto by default – due to the Calciopoli scandal cutting the other big clubs out of the picture.

“I too heard that our Scudetto was made of cardboard, but they stopped when we put a hand on this year’s title. Now that we are about to win it, it shines like gold.”

In theory, the mathematical certainty could be just 270 minutes of football away, but Matrix is in no hurry.

“I am not interested in sealing the Scudetto in three games. In my view, it will only be on May 28, when we’ll have a huge party at San Siro that for me will be better than the World Cup. Only then will we count up how many points we have totalled.”

For the moment the former Perugia man is focusing on Scotland, as Italy prepare for a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier next Wednesday.

“This is decisive for our European Championship hopes. Is it also decisive for Roberto Donadoni’s future? No, just for the Azzurri. We are all in the same boat. In any case, I believe we will reach the tournament.”

Haha he excepts he is a d*******!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[bigmacmtl]

well thank you it will be my pleasure to hate you and inter (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[mishie]

PETO!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

I think I'm about the only player here that actually likes the guy. (not surprised) I for one would LOVE to see him in a Milan shirt, he shows how great he can be (scored in the World Cup final & converted his PK in the shoot-out)

The whole Zidane thing was blown way out of proportion, just 'cause Zidane reacted badly.. I can believe that those sorts of words are exchanged in about 90% of football mathces, it's just to put players of their game.

I for one don't hate him.. and since I don't hate him and he wants to be hated.. does he hate that?.. I'm confused (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

^^^^^^^^^^

(IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/puke.gif)

It better be the drugs they're giving you for the torn ligaments or something. You like Matrix???!!!

[kurtsimonw]

Yes, especially after he was unfairly treated in the WC Final. Did you see the abuse Rooney was getting at the Andorra game? Exactly my point, it happens in every game. Zidane shouldn't have reacted like that.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Yes, especially after he was unfairly treated in the WC Final. Did you see the abuse Rooney was getting at the Andorra game? Exactly my point, it happens in every game. Zidane shouldn't have reacted like that.

Agreed. I don't like him, but I don't hate him.

Just because it's Zidane who did it doesn't mean he should be excused for his actions...

[kurtsimonw]

Agreed. I don't like him, but I don't hate him.

Just because it's Zidane who did it doesn't mean he should be excused for his actions...

Glad you agree. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Jack Sparrow]

You guys don't get it, you're fraternizing with the ENEMY!!!! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

The only merda you're allowed to like is Adriano coz of the excellent way he's been performing.

[kurtsimonw]

Pfft. Don't get me wrong, I wanted England to win the World Cup but the second they were out, my Azzurri shirt was on. Grosso and Materazzi were both superb whenever they played.

Grosso sent them to the final with his goal agianst Germany.

Materazzi scored the goal, converted his penalty and got France's only match-winner sent off.

It's just by chance that they're Inter players. I have complete respect for them both and like them both. Seedorf, Ronaldo, Pirlo, Simic and Favalli are all 'Inter players' since they were their first. But we still love 'em!