Salut!

I think I proved once again this week that I am fit and raring to go for the new season. And what better place to do it than in my home country, France, when Villa played Rennes in the semi-final of the Intertoto Cup.

It was one of those nights which started badly for us and got worse. First, John Gregory was forced to leave out new goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, after the big Dane injured a calf in the warm-up, so Peter Enckelman started instead.

Then, the French side established a two-goal lead with goals from Brazilian forward Severino Lucas and substitute Cyril Chapuis, and we had our backs against the wall. I was introduced to the action in the 53rd minute, with Steve Stone making way for me.

And it was my free kick in the last minute from which Darius Vassell scored with a header to give us hope of overturning a single goal deficit in the second leg at Villa Park next Wednesday.

It was an enjoyable occasion as Rennes, who finished sixth in their Championship last season, attracted a capacity 15,753 crowd. That goal from Darius gives us hope, and if we can progress to the final then we shall be on the verge of playing in the UEFA Cup next season.

After the match, my previous manager from Brest football club called me. He had watched the game, and paid me a wonderful compliment: "David, please do play football for as long as you can." To which I replied, "When do I know it's time to stop?" And he said, "Don't worry, your body will tell you." And I am happy to say that my body is definitely not giving me any such message.

I have been given a couple of days off this weekend, which I hope to enjoy with my family if the good weather here continues. Come back next week to read my thoughts after the return game against Rennes.

A bientôt,

David Ginola.

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