'I snubbed Donald Trump at Ryder Cup – I was more interested in who was next to him'

Gianfranco Zola has admitted he snubbed President Donald Trump at the Ryder Cup as he was more awestruck by seeing Michael Jordan next to him. The football legend, 59, had a somewhat unexpected role to play for Team Europe at Bethpage Black last week.

Zola, who is close friends with Francesco Molinari, was asked by the Italian golfing icon to be his designated buggy driverat the biennial tournament in New York.

Dressed like the players, the former Chelsea, Parma and Napoli star drove Team Europe vice-captain Molinari and others around the course, spending plenty of time with the players and their partners.

It’s no surprise that a true footballing great does not get easily starstruck, as shown when he was in close proximity to President Trump, who caused a stir with his attendance on the Friday afternoon at Bethpage Black.

However, there was one fellow ‘90s icon present who the Italian couldn’t contain his child-like excitement over.

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Towering above everyone else and dressed in his trademark cap and black shades on Day 1 of the Ryder Cupwas the Chicago Bulls legend, Jordan.

When asked about seeing Trump, Zola told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Sure, we were next to him on Friday afternoon, even though we didn't speak.

“But I almost looked more at Michael Jordan, a legend. I would have loved to take a picture, even if I wouldn't have looked great next to him; the height difference would have been embarrassing."

Unfortunately for Trump, Zola putting MJ above him wasn’t the only moment he suffered a bruise to his ego. The 47th US president was also subject to some light-hearted trolling by Team Europe in his own backyard after they clinched victory on American soil for the first time since 2012.

During their celebrations, the European players gathered to send Trump a video message. With Rory McIlroy holding the camera in selfie mode, they sang: "Are you watching? Are you watching? Are you watching Donald Trump?"

The message was taken in jest by avid golfer Trump, who replied with a video of his own offering them congratulations.

Zola commented on the situation: "Funny, the right way to poke a little fun. McIlroy had received a congratulatory message from the president and decided to send him videos.

“And Trump even responded publicly, repeating his congratulations. It's the right climate: teasing, but within the bounds of good taste and a joke."