Former French international star David Ginola suffered a suspected heart attack on Thursday and was airlifted to hospital, the Nice-Matin newspaper reported.

However, the 49-year-old ex-PSG and Newcastle star later blamed his illness on playing football in the searing afternoon heat.

"Footy match in the midday sun, not very clever. Now having some tests done. Who ever voted for a World Cup in Qatar in the summer?" Ginola tweeted.

Ginola had been playing golf with other personalties at Mandelieu before he fell ill and was taken to Monaco's Princess Grace Hospital.