David Beckham said Paris was a "special place" for him as he paid tribute following the terrorist attacks that killed 129 people in the French capital on Friday.
The footballing legend, who ended his career with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, spoke after leading a Great Britain and Ireland team against the Rest of the World in an All Star Match for Children, in aid of UNICEF.
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France hero Zinedine Zidane was due to captain the Rest of the World side, but was absent at Old Trafford, along with compatriots and fellow World Cup winners Patrick Vieira and Christian Karembeu.
"He was in Madrid, but being French and the passionate person he is – Patrick Vieira as well – they took the decision they don’t want to play," said Beckham of Zidane.
"There was slight concern [about the game being played] obviously once the news [of the attacks] hit. It is terribly devastating to see the scenes we saw but unfortunately we have seen those around the world.
"I understood why Zizou took the decision not to play. He was very respectful to me and everything, that he had promised he would come over and play. I totally understand. He is a friend and a very passionate man.
"Being French, that hit him very hard what happened. On behalf of myself, the managers and the players, we send our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
"Paris has always been one of my favourite cities in the world and I have great memories from Paris over the years, not just when I was with PSG. I played my 100th game for England there and the support I had from the French people was amazing. I got a standing ovation. To go back as a PSG player and finish my career there, it has always been a special place. Our condolences to everyone there."
Despite concerns, England's friendly with France on Tuesday at Wembley will now take place and Beckham added: "If the game goes ahead, it shows some power that the game has. But obviously we have to show huge respect to those who have lost loved ones.
"I think security was very tight in this game and I think it was organised impeccably and I am sure for a while now security will be heightened at every major sporting game that goes on. It definitely will be looked at."'
French duo Robert Pires and Mikael Silvestre did play, but in the circumstances, the game was a sombre and subdued occasion.
Beckham's side – managed by Sir Alex Ferguson and including John Terry, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes – took the victory spoils 3-1.
Captain marvel himself set up the 14th minute opener when he floated over a right-wing cross and Scholes steered a header past another United old boy Edwin van der Sar.
Scholes, a class act throughout, then teed up Michael Owen to smash in the second in the 64th minute.
The Rest of the World, featuring Luis Figo, Clarence Seedorf, Ronaldinho, Cafu and Fernando Hierro, hit back when Landon Donovan set up Dwight Yorke to stroke home.
Owen had the final say when he tapped in after Dutch keeper Raimond van der Gouw allowed an Ashley Cole cross to slip through his hands.
Beckham, who teamed up with son Brooklyn after the teenager came on as a substitute, added: "It doesn’t get any better than that. A full house for a great cause. This was always going to be a special day.
"We set out to play seven games in seven continents wanted to do it in seven days but that was pushing it. We achieved what we wanted to, raised a lot of money and I want to thank all the fans, everyone who was involved.
"One of my lasting memories was winning the Premier League and walking around with Brooklyn and he was 18 months old. He is 16 now and a bit big to get on my shoulders. Thankfully it was something the manager agreed to do. It was amazing to have him out there with me."
