David Beckham
David Beckham
David Robert Joseph Beckham, OBEis an English former professional footballer. He played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and the England national team for which he holds the appearance record for an outfield player. He is the first English player to win league titles in four countries: England, Spain, the United States and France. He announced his retirement in May 2013 after a 20-year career, during which he won 19 major trophies. Known...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionSoccer Player
Date of Birth2 May 1975
CityLondon, England
We had a meeting with the manager but that happens all the time - if the manager decides he wants a meeting with players to discuss formations or ways of playing then we'll have a meeting,
The players and a lot of people in England knew it before this tournament but now Europe is finding out about Wayne Rooney. And we're very lucky to have such a good player in our team.
Why don't the Argentinean players like me? I don't know,
We have been in this position before at the last championships when we beat Germany and ended up losing. It is unthinkable that we should go out at this stage, with the team and the players we've got. We can't even think about going into this game wanting a draw, we must go into it wanting to win.
Over the years, when I've seen players retire, when you ask them about it, they always say you'll know when you're ready, and I think I know when I'm ready. I think I'm ready.
There are probably going to be many teams and many players who are going to try and wind Wayne Rooney up. He can handle it. Everyone knows he's a great talent. It's been well documented about his discipline but I don't think there's going to be a problem.
We were all disappointed after the championships and I think we needed this performance. The fans needed it, the players needed it and the manager needed it.
Wayne can play any position but the way he plays for Manchester United, just off the main striker, is unstoppable. He runs at players and that is what causes teams most problems.
Wayne can be whoever he wants to be. He's a great young lad and he's at the right club to be looked after and to be brought through. If he carries on doing what he's doing, creating chances for players and for himself, he's going to deserve those comparisons.
Big clubs are always linked with players. But I've always said he is one of the best players I've ever played with. I've never played under a better captain on a pitch.
The way the players are with each other, everyone gets on, there's no problems at all, it's the best atmosphere I've ever had. Confidence is very high. To have the players and the atmosphere we have will help us a lot.
I'm captain but so many other players are captain of their club sides and we need that. We are lucky to have that.
He's the man who brought me to the club and that's why people have turned around this morning and said 'will I be leaving?'. I've got a great relationship with him but I've also got a great relationship with the other board members and directors and players and fans.
If he carries on doing what he's doing, creating chances for players and for himself, he's going to deserve those comparisons.