David Beckham pays tribute to the victims of Paris terror attack

Beckham was back at Old Trafford for the UNICEF Match for Children

David Beckham has paid tribute to the victims of Paris terror attack and has also shed light on why Zidane and Vierra did not participate in the UNICEF Match for children. Beckham was talking to the media after the match and touched on various issues, including the choice to allow his 16-years old son Brooklyn to be a part of the charity match.

France’s capital Paris suffered a colossal terrorist attack on Friday which saw more than a hundred people being killed by armed gunmen and suicide bombers.

The charity match which was set to be played on December 14 went on, amidst heavy security cover. Beckham’s team which comprised of ex-British and Irish players took on the Rest of World XI, and the former won the match with a 3-1 scoreline.

"On behalf of myself, the managers, the players and everyone involved today, we all send condolences to the people who have lost loved ones in Paris. Our hearts go out to everyone in Paris,” said the 40-years old.

“There was a slight concern once the news hit last night. Obviously it was terribly devastating to see those scenes. Unfortunately, we see them around the world,” he added.

A minute of silence was observed in remembrance of the victims of the Paris attack

Becks also reiterated his love for the city of Paris and expressed how much attachment he has with one of the most loved cities in the world.

"Paris has always been one of my most favourite cities in the world. I have great memories of Paris over the years, not just from my time with PSG. I played my 100th England game there and the support I had from the French people was incredible that day. I got a standing ovation when I walked off the pitch.

"Then to go back to PSG and end my career there, winning their first championship in 19 years... it's always been a special place. It's sad to see what happened yesterday and, unfortunately, it's happening around the world as well."

Zinedine Zidane, who was supposed to captain the ROW team, and Patrick Vierra did not participate in the charity match as they were saddened by the terror attack.

"I understood why Zizou took the decision not to play," he told reporters.

“He was very respectful to me after the promise to play but I totally understood. He's a friend first off and also a very passionate man. Being French, it obviously hit him very hard last night.”

Brooklyn Beckham replaced his father in the latter stages of the match, however, an injury to Sol Campbell meant that Beckham Sr. had to come back onto the field. When asked about how he felt to share the famous Old Trafford pitch with his son, he said, "I wasn't meant to join him but Sol came off. Having Brooklyn out there was special.”

"One of my lasting memories is winning the title and walking around with Brooklyn when he was 18 months," he added.

Here is the video of his post-match conference.