“I understood why Zizou (Zidane) took the decision not to play,” said Beckham.
“He was very respectful to me. He promised he would come over and play but I understand. He’s a friend but he’s a passionate man and that hit him hard. On behalf of myself, the players, everyone involved in the game, we send our condolences to those who have lost people in Paris and our heart goes out to everyone in France.”
Portuguese legend 43 year-old Luis Figo took on the mantle of captain of the World XI which included Cafu, Clarence Seedorf and Ronaldinho.
A poignant moment was when David Beckham was replaced by son Brooklyn as the Great Britain and Ireland XI side beat the Rest of the World team 3-1. Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson returned to Old Trafford to take charge of the British team whilst former Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti managed the world team.