Wednesday 18 November 2015 06:29, UK
France coach Didier Deschamps thanked the England fans and the nation for coming together to support his players in the aftermath of Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris.
Deschamps' side lost 2-0 to England in a friendly international at Wembley on Tuesday night, a match that was characterised by great displays of solidarity from both countries.
"We would like to thank everyone for their statements and their actions of solidarity," Deschamps said after the full-time whistle. "We feel very grateful because not just the people at Wembley, but the whole nation has supported us. We have had this outpouring of communal grief and it has been good for us."
In particular, it was the rendition of La Marseillaise by the Coldstream Guards shortly before kick-off that greatly moved Deschamps and his players.
"We felt very, very strong emotions, powerful emotions," he added. "Everyone has their own way of displaying their emotions, but it was certainly a moment where everyone came together.
"It was heart-rending - you felt it deep down in your gut. It was a special, moving, grandiose moment."
Deschamps was also quick to highlight the contribution of Lassana Diarra, whose cousin was killed in the attacks in French capital on Friday.
Diarra did not start the game, however, after consulting with his manager, he did come on a second-half substitute.
"I spoke at some length with Lassana and he said all along he would be more than ready to come on and feature if I needed him," Deschamps said.
"I really respected his choice of how he handled himself and carried himself throughout this difficult period, and his presence has been important for us.
"For that reason alone I made the decision that for the last 20 minutes he was going to feature. Because of how he has been with us it was deserved."
French minister for sport Patrick Kanner also paid tribute to England fans following the game.
"It was an unbelievable show of support from our English friends," Kanner said. "There were French colours all over Wembley, and it was unbelievable to hear the Marseillaise all round the stadium, sung by 90,000 people.
"Me, when I sung those words with Prince William and David Cameron, I was thinking about all of the young people massacred in our own country last week.
"But we have to say that life goes on, we keep our heads up and tonight we were able to find our pride again. We have shown we have the determination to put the cause of our society above all else."
