CHRIS Routis admits he has been overwhelmed by the reaction of the English football public in the aftermath of the Paris tragedy.

Routis, whose best friend lives near to where 129 people were killed in last week’s terrorist atrocity, paid his own personal tribute when he laid a wreath at Valley Parade.

City’s Bordeaux-born utility player thanked the City crowd for their “unbelievable” support following the minute’s silence before the Crewe home game to remember the victims.

He said: “When I went on the pitch and stood alone in the middle, I was thinking about Paris. But in my head, I was still thinking that it wasn’t possible.

“It was not a good moment but the support meant so much to me. When the minute’s silence was finished, everyone stood up and made noise.

“I thought then ‘I just want to be English’ when I saw that. I have to say thank you again because it was unbelievable.”

Routis was at home when he first heard the shocking news from France. He read the stories on the internet before turning on the TV and finding “it was there on every channel.

“I thought it was a joke because it could not be happening. But after a couple of minutes I knew it wasn’t and that’s when I was scared for everybody.”

Routis checked that a couple of family members who work in Paris were okay but at first he could not get hold of a close friend living near to where the tragedy unfolded.

He added: “He lives there very close to this area. I have been there to see him and that’s why I was shocked.

“I rang him a couple of times but the first time I couldn’t get through because other people like his Dad must have been calling.

“I had to wait an hour before I had some news that he was home. It was very difficult.

“I need to go to Paris next summer to see him. That’s my plan.

“It was before everything that happened but it is even more important now. I have to go.

“When something happens like that, hopefully it’s not a problem but maybe I would have never seen him again if he was unlucky.

“Paris will feel different and I will be looking everywhere – but that’s the same for everybody.”

Routis also texted City team-mate Reece Burke, who was in France at the time with England under-20s, to confirm that he was safe.

“He was in Brittany and sent me his position on the map, so I knew he was okay. That was good.”

Routis was also touched by the atmosphere at Wembley for the friendly on Tuesday, when the whole stadium joined in with the French national anthem, La Marseillaise.

He said: “It was very hard for the team to play the game but it was very important. It was a symbol of unity.

“When I listened to all the fans singing the French national anthem, it was very good. They are also doing it again at the Premier League games this weekend.

“It is a very difficult time but England have been so good to France. I think we’d do the same if it was the other way.”