• London Olympics 2012

Beckham to fight for GB Olympics place

ESPN staff
May 18, 2012
David Beckham was with US president Barack Obama this week © PA Photos
Enlarge

David Beckham has spoken of his determination to win a spot on the GB Olympics team on merit.

Beckham played a key role in the bidding process that saw the Games handed to London in 2012. The former England international was believed to be a certainty for a spot on the team 12 months ago, but his form has been patchy for LA Galaxy this year. He did not impress in a recent match attended by GB coach Stuart Pearce, and doubt has been cast on ability to command a place.

There have been claims that Beckham could be handed a slot on the side as a PR exercise, but the 37-year-old has insisted he would only accept a place if it was offered on merit.

"Throughout my career I've been pretty successful and played for some pretty big teams...and managers without sentiment," he said. "When you've played for managers like Alex Ferguson and Fabio Capello and Sven Goran Eriksson...they don't pick players because they want to fill the stadium with people or sell shirts.

"I don't want to be picked on a shirt sale or a stadium filler. I want to be picked because of what I can bring to the team.

"I want to play. That's my main objective. I don't want to go as a coach. I've never played in an Olympic Games before and never taken part in an Olympic Games so I would love to, I'd love to be part of the team.

"I am still training and playing throughout the season. We are only nine games into our season, I'm playing well and feeling fit. Fitness all the way through my career has not been a problem. It won't be leading up to the Games. If I am selected I will be in good condition."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices