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Manchester United and Arsenal target Leon Goretzka is the new Zinedine Zidane… after headbutting opponent

Schalke star has been labelled the new Toni Kroos, but he imitated his countryman's Real Madrid boss during an explosive Bundesliga clash on Sunday

Gary Stonehouse

Published: 12:09, 3 Dec 2017
Updated: 13:38, 3 Dec 2017

MANCHESTER UNITED target Leon Goretzka has been described as the new Toni Kroos, but the Schalke star was more like his countryman's Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane on Saturday.

Unfortunately, the similarity with the legendary Frenchman had nothing to do with his football abilities.

Manchester United target Leon Goretzka was at the centre of controversy on SaturdayCredit: Reuters

In fact, it was Goretzka's headbutt on Cologne rival Salih Ozcan that provided a throwback to the icon.

Unbelievably, the midfielder escaped any punishment after ramming his head into the chest of his opponent - despite the referee being right next to him.

The shocking incident occurred when Ozcan had floored Goretzka in the 82nd minute of the Bundesliga clash.

The former then screamed at the in-demand ace, causing his temper to boil over as he rammed his head into his chest.

Goretzka planted his head into the chest of Cologne ace Salih OzcanCredit: Sky

And it instantly drew comparisons with Zinedine Zidane's headbutt on Marco MaterazziCredit: Handout

It instantly provided a flashback to Zidane's final act as footballer in the 2006 World Cup Final when he was sent off for butting Marco Materazzi.

Amazingly, Goretzka denied any malice and claimed that it was purely accidental.

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The 22-year-old told Sky Sport: "The referee is right next to it. If he had seen assassination, he would have pulled me aside.

"I just want to get up impulsively. I admit that it looks unfortunate. But it was certainly not intentional, I did not want to injure him. My name is not Zinedine Zidane. It is unnecessary to discuss it."