Seve Ballesteros has sent a televised message to Paris after pulling out of a planned trip to attend the finale of the Vivendi Trophy.
Spanish star says sorry for cancelled Paris trip
Seve Ballesteros has sent a televised message to Paris after pulling out of a planned trip to attend the conclusion of the Vivendi Trophy.
The Spanish star, who collapsed with a brain tumour 11 months ago, said he did not feel well enough to travel to the city after undergoing radiotherapy.
"I am very sorry I cannot be with you this year," he said. "I just finished my radiotherapy and that really makes me very tired.
"That was expected - hopefully I should be okay in about one month.
"I would like to start thanking all of the players for all their support I get during those difficult moments and I think it's very nice and very emotional to know you have people behind you.
"It's great to see the sixth edition of the Seve Trophy (the name was changed this year to "the Vivendi Trophy with Seve Ballesteros" when a sponsor was found).
Unique talent
"I think it's one tournament I created due to how much I like match play and thinking that it will help the players for the future Ryder Cups."
The 52-year-old thanked the sponsors, the French public, the European Tour and the media, ending the message saying: "Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.
"I hope the Seve Trophy is a great experience for all of the players and I hope the French people enjoy very much watching those great champions.
"One more time, thank you very much everybody and I'm looking forward to seeing you on the seventh edition of the Seve Trophy in two years' time. Bye bye."
Captains Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn, who had received a letter from Ballesteros before the match, recorded their own message to him on Sunday.
The former world number one will also be presented with a painting with the inscription: "From the players to Seve in appreciation of your unique talent and great inspiration."
