Boban: I Will Never Forgive Myself for the Biggest Mistake of My Life, and I Still Do Not Speak to That Man

Zvonimir Boban says he remains a footballer at heart, even as president of Dinamo Zagreb. In an interview with Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Croatia captain said his club duties have not weakened his passion for the game.

Boban also works as an expert commentator for Sky. He said the television role allows him to step away from the Dinamo presidency while keeping alive his connection to Italy and journalism. Sitting in the stands during matches, however, still causes him too much distress. “Matches are a real torment for me and I usually do not watch them,” he said.

“

Matches are a real torment for me and I usually do not watch them.

He described last season, when Dinamo won the league and cup, as “the best moment of my football life.” Boban also stressed his pride in his work at the club and said he was its first democratically elected president.

“

No, we no longer speak. We all live with our actions and their consequences.

Asked whether he speaks with UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin, Boban replied: “No, we no longer speak. We all live with our actions and their consequences.”

Boban reserved his harshest judgment for his own mistake in the 1998 World Cup semifinal against France. “I lost the ball in the semifinal of the 1998 World Cup against France. I was the captain and I had never lost the ball in front of my own penalty area. I will never forgive myself for that,” he said.

“

I lost the ball in the semifinal of the 1998 World Cup against France. I was the captain and I had never lost the ball in front of my own penalty area. I will never forgive myself for that.