Italian defender Marco Materazzi, who head-butted by Zinedine Zidane [Images] during the World Cup final, has denied insulting the France [Images] captain's mother.

In an interview given to Italian sports daily Gazzetta dello Sport on Wednesday, Materazzi said Zidane is his footballing hero.

"I said nothing to him about race, religion or politics. I did not talk about his mother either," the defender was quoted as saying.

"I lost my mother when I was 15 and it still upsets me to talk about it. Of course I didn't know that his mother was in hospital. I send her my best wishes."

Materazzi gave the interview before Zidane appeared on live French television to talk about the attack which earned him a red card in his last professional game.

The match finished 1-1 after the 34-year-old captain was sent off and France lost 5-3 on penalties.

In his television interview with Canal Plus Zidane said Materazzi had insulted both his mother and sister.

However, Materazzi told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Zidane was always my hero. I admire him greatly."