Salut!

I am back from Rai's jubilee and what a truly wonderful, emotional occasion it was. I travelled over to Paris on Friday evening via Eurostar with my family and close friends - the general consensus was to opt against flying (although I must say, I am not too fussed), and apart from my difficulty finding Waterloo station (!), it was a good journey.

I was slightly apprehensive on the way over, because I was worried about the reception from the French crowds. It is well documented that I left France in 1995 because I was blamed for France not qualifying for the World Cup in 1994. I was really hunted by the press and people, and in the end it became too awful for my family and me, and we made the decision to come to England.

I thought that people might boo and heckle me as they did then, and I was kind of prepared for it. So when I received a standing ovation, it really was something special for me. On the pitch I was literally fighting back tears.

And to see my old team mates - well that was absolutely fantastic! We have so much respect for each other, and it was very emotional for us all. Rai is un grand monsieur of football. He is revered by public and players alike. I wouldn't be surprised if one day he becomes the president of Paris Saint-Germain.

The Paris Saint-Germain team played against a Brazilian team consisting of internationals past and present;

PSG first half: Bernard Lama, Cobos, Roche (who was Captain), N'Gotty, Colleter, Fournier, Le Guen, Bravo, Leonardo, Loko, Weah, Ginola.

PSG second half: Bats, Algerino, Roche, N'Gotty, Llacer, Le Guen, Rai (who was Captain), Weah, Ginola, Loko, Nouma and Luis Fernandez (who is current coach of PSG).

Brazil: Gilmar, Zemaria, Dos Santos, Mozer, Dunga, Cruz, Junior, Socrates, Paolo Sergio, Jorginho, Bebeto, Juninho, Amoroso, Aloisio, Anderson, Cesar, Victor Fernandez and Alex.

Rai played for the first half with Brazil and the second with Paris Saint Germain.

Ronaldo said a few words on the pitch before kick-off, but unfortunately wasn't able to play due to injury.

Everyone played with such incredible passion, and the Brazilians are just awesome. Speaking personally, George (Weah) and I played some fantastic football, and it was great to be reunited with him on the pitch. We are so instinctive together. I was also pleased to set up a goal for mon petit, Pascal Nouma, who is still a very good friend of mine. The final score was 3-3.

There were 45,000 spectators in Parc des Princes, and all the proceeds of ticket sales went to a charity created by Rai and Leonardo, Gol de Letra. The foundation helps underprivileged children in Brazil, and tries to keep them off the street by occupying their time in the afternoon as they only attend school in the morning. They have so far helped 600 children.

At the dinner afterwards, there was an auction and Youri Djorkaeff bought the shirt that Rai played in for £4,000. The proceeds of the auction also went to Gol de Letra.

All in all, it was an exhilarating time, and I returned to England on a high. I really had a memorable weekend.

Enjoy the week!

A bientôt,

David Ginola.


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