Pfertzel's amazing comments were picked up by the Italian press yesterday, where he allegedly described Materazzi as "rotten" and "garbage".

"On the field he pulls your hair, insults you and spits at you," said the Frenchman, who spent four seasons in Italy with Livorno.

However, later in the evening, Pfertzel denied having made the comments: "It is incredible that such words have appeared. I've never spoken to journalists of that magazine and have only given interviews to the German media.

"Asked 'Who do you like least among Italians?', I replied Materazzi, because for me Zidane is a national hero, but I never described Materazzi as rotten or garbage.

"When I read what was published, I was stunned, I am a small player, he is a great player and should be respected."