Football takes a back-seat in a week like this, when our thoughts are instead with everyone connected with the tragic events in the USA.

I am still numb from all those horrific images which have been relayed to us on the television and in the newspapers following the horrific terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

In the early stages of the aftermath, figures of 1,500 dead were being suggested. But now the mayor of New York has estimated more like 30,000 body bags being needed, and the tragedy of that is just beyond words.

I spent hours on the phone to my good friend Chantal, just reflecting on life, after the terrorists struck on Tuesday.

In my capacity as an ambassador for the Red Cross anti-landmines campaign, I have seen many sad situations which makes me realise how lucky the rest of us are. Then something like this happens in America and the devastation of it all is beyond belief.

I love going to New York and my heart goes out to everybody there. The magnificent Manhattan skyline is now changed and that will be a constant reminder of such attrocities.

This weekend we must turn our attentions back to playing football, and it will be interesting to note the atmosphere when Sunderland visit Villa Park on Saturday.

We follow that up on Thursday with our UEFA Cup clash against Varteks, which was postponed as a mark of respect to the Americans. Let's hope we take a healthy lead out of that game and into the second leg.

Have a good week.

A bientôt,

David Ginola.

Please note that this news section is updated every Friday afternoon

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