David Beckham has revealed the charity match he helped organise at Old Trafford was cast into doubt following the devastating attacks in Paris on Friday night.
129 people lost their lives, while that number is set to rise with hundreds of people injured as a result of several coordinated attacks on the French capital, including a suicide bomb outside the Stade de France during a friendly between the French national side and Germany.
The former Manchester United and England captain hosted an encounter between a plethora of British legends and overseas icons, including the likes of Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane, in aid of Unicef.
Zidane pulled out of the event prior to kick off after the horrifying scenes in his home country, and Beckham fully appreciated his ex-Real Madrid team-mate’s decision.
“There was a slight concern [the game would go ahead] obviously once the news hit last night,” said the 40-year-old.
“It was obviously terribly devastating to see the scenes that we all saw.
"I understood why Zizou [Zidane] took the decision not to play. He was very respectful to me and everything that he’d promised to come over and play.
“He’s a friend and a very passionate man and being French meant I think that what happened last night hit him very hard.
“On behalf of myself, the managers and the players we all send our condolences to people who have lost loved ones in Paris and our hearts go out to the people of France.”
Beckham holds Paris close to his heart after a short, but successful, spell with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of his career, while the Stade de France was also the stage for his 100th England cap.
He added: “I have great memories of Paris over the years. The support that I’ve had from the French people has been incredible. It’s always been a special place.”
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