MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Kirchner presented with Zidane's red card

Argentine president Nestor Kirchner was presented with the red card that sent French star Zinedine Zidane off the field in the recent Football World Cup Final, which was won by Italy.

The red card included an autograph from the Argentine referee of the match, Horacio Elizondo.

Zidane was sent off after the controversial head butt against Italian defense Marco Materazzi, an incident seen by hundreds of millions of spectators and which turned him into an instant hero for the French fans in spite of having lost the final.

Referee Elizondo was received by President Kirchner in Government House where they had a long chat about football and the last World Cup played in Germany.

"We talked about the World Cup and he congratulated me for my performance. We also talked about the country. It was a very enjoyable chat and I feel most satisfied on having been received by the president", said Elizondo who had the rare privilege of refereeing the inaugural and final matches of the Cup. Elizondo also presented Kirchner with the yellow card and a referee vest.

The July 9 final match between Italy-France in Berlin was decided by penalty kicks, but Zidane was shown the red card at minute 110, during additional time.

Kirchner was quite thrilled and with played with the red card, "sending off" from his office the photographers present at the event. Interior Minister Anibal Fernandez and Sports Secretary were also present at the meeting.

Asked if he was interested in politics, Elizondo said he's currently fully involved in refereeing but did not discard the option in the future.

"Now I'm totally absorbed by refereeing, it's a very special moment of my life. It doesn't cross my mind holding a political job", he said.

Elizondo finally revealed he will write a book when he retires from his current activity.