September 6 – David Beckham (pictured), England’s former captain, wants to be involved in Britain’s football team for the London 2012 Olympics, he said today.
The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfield player played a vital role in London’s successful bid to host the Games when, as an official ambassador, he starred in several promotional videos and travelling to Singapore in July 2005 as part of the official delegation for the vote and met several International Olympic (IOC) members.
He also played a role in the closing ceremony of the Olympics in Beijing last year when he appeared alongside singer Leona Lewis and former Led Zepplin guitarist Robert Plant during London’s segment and kicked a ball into the crowd.
Beckham said: ”I was very proud to play a part in bringing the Olympics to London.
“It was such a great thrill when we were awarded them so to go on to be a part of 2012 itself will be just terrific.
“I would certainly love to be involved with the GB football team.”
Under the present rules, Beckham is eligible to play in the tournament.
Each squad is made up mainly of under-23 players but is eligible to choose three over-age members.
But the world governing body FIFA and the IOC are currently discussing the rules for London 2012 with a decision expected to be announce at the end of this month.
If Beckham, who has been capped 113 times by England and is now playing for Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States, is to be involved it is more likely in a coaching role as he would be 37 by the time of the Games.
He said: ”Obviously, I would be very much an ‘older’ player by then but I definitely want to be involved there in some capacity.”
The involvement of Beckham, who was born in Leytonstone close to the site of the Olympic Park, would give the tournament some much needed creditability in Britain.
The event has been overshadowed by a row over the involvement of the Home Countries, who fear that they will lose their independent status to compete in the World Cup and European Championships if they take part in a united Team GB.
Lord Triesman, the chairman of the the Football Association, has now brokered a deal that means Britain will be represented by an all-England team.
He has also agreed that the squad will be coached by an English manager.
That has ruled out Sir Alex Ferguson, the manager who sold Beckham from Manchester United to Real Madrid for £25 million in 2003.
Stuart Pearce, the coach of the England under-21 team, and Roy Hodgson, the manager of Premiership Fulham, are the favourites to be appointed.
A decision is expected by the end of this year.