Salut!

So here we are, just one match away from a place in the UEFA Cup!

It has seemed a bit of a long and winding road in the InterToto Cup, but a win or goalless draw will see us qualify for European competition proper next season.

I was disappointed not to play in the first leg in Basle. I feel so sharp and would love to play in every game. But the main thing was the result, and to come away with a 1-1 draw was very creditable. The fact that we have an away goal may also come in very handy.

I am hoping the gaffer was saving me for the second leg at Villa Park. I know it will be another packed house, so I want to be out there giving my all and earning us a place in the UEFA Cup.

The trip to Switzerland gave me the opportunity to meet up again with Christian Gross, the manager of Basle. Christian was my coach at Tottenham, and we always got on well.

After the game he held a press conference and said how surprised he was that I had not played, because he regarded me as a threat, which as a footballer, is always what you want to hear.

This weekend there is the FA Charity Shield between Manchester United and Liverpool, which is the traditional start to the Premiership season, and promises to be a very exciting match.

That means that next week we'll be preparing for out first game of the season. Hopefully the fact we have already had a few games in the InterToto Cup will give us a slight edge, and help us get off to a great season.

A bientôt,

David Ginola.

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