Algeria president backs Zidane

Bouteflika said Zidane still has his respect

Algeria's president has sent a letter of support to Zinedine Zidane after being sent off in the World Cup final for head-butting an Italian opponent.

Abdelaziz Bouteflika described the France captain, a son of Algerian immigrants, as "a World Cup demi-god" and the best footballer in the world.

Zidane, widely regarded as the finest footballer of his generation, was sent off for head-butting Marco Materazzi after exchanging comments with the Italian defender.

Italy won the final after a penalty shoot-out.

"I sent a personal letter on my behalf and on behalf of all the Algerian people to express my solidarity and my friendship to Zidane, and to give him some comfort," Bouteflika said in London after talks with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

"He was a demi-god of the World Cup, but five minutes later, for many people unfortunately, he become something that sports men should shy away from," said the president, who spoke through a translator.

"He has not lost his own human dimension."

The match was Zidane's last in competitive football and Bouteflika said it was not for others to judge his actions.

"We support him because he is Algerian, we support him because he is the best ... he's the best in the world.

"It was necessary for Algeria to express itself and to side with him."