Marseille memories from Waddle to World Cups

I SAT through three days of rioting and violence in Marseille when England met Tunisia at their opening game of the 1998 World Cup.

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Harvey Barnes celebrates scoring against Manchester City

The city was a powderkeg, only one extra stray bottle away from total disaster.

During much happier times a Geordie and former Newcastle United star Chris Waddle became a local hero in the same city and remains a revered legend to this day whenever he returns to France's south coast.

And who can forget Didier Drogba announcing himself on the global stage by scoring both goals that took Marseille to the UEFA Cup final of 2004 at our expense. Sir Bobby’s side included Alan Shearer, Shay Given, Gary Speed, Laurent Robert and Shola Ameobi.

Now we're back in the Champions League no less. Refreshed and rejuvenated after thoroughly deserving to down Manchester City with a display of the old passion and persistence that is our hallmark in heady days.