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Ranieri expresses Beckham interest

ESPN staff
December 18, 2012
David Beckham is still to decide his future © Getty Images
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Monaco coach Claudio Ranieri would welcome David Beckham at the ambitious Ligue 2 club, with the Italian claiming the ex-England captain "would be useful in all aspects".

Ranieri signed a two-year contract with the principality outfit last summer, and has since guided them into the promotion places in France's second tier. The club have been heavily tipped to be Beckham's next port of call following the end of his LA Galaxy adventure, and Ranieri would be delighted to add him to his squad.

"He would be useful in all aspects of the evolution of the club," the former Chelsea manager told Le Parisien. "He could transmit his passion to our young players, and show that, at 37 years of age, he continues to improve and be professional. Every young player needs an experienced coach, but also examples in the dressing room."

Bankrolled by Russian billionaire Dimitry Rybolovlev, Monaco certainly have the financial resources to satisfy Beckham. Ranieri does not see a problem with the global superstar potentially stepping out onto the pitch in such unglamourous destinations as Angers, Le Havre or Laval as the club bid to return to Ligue 1.

"Consider [his presence at the club] as bizarre as mine at Monaco," Ranieri added. "He has retained a great passion for football, that's what interests me."

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