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
Everyone's been so quick to say that I'm really thick or I haven't got a brain. People will think whatever they want to think.
As soon as a free kick is given and it's anywhere near the box, I get excited. I don't really concentrate what side the keeper is on, because I always think that if I catch it as well as I can, then I can beat him whichever way he goes.
Some people think that I haven't got the brains to be that clever.
No one's ever really given me any style advice. I wear what I want, and it doesn't matter what other people think.
I don't think I have reached a plateau. I have just reached the level where I am today. But I need to go above it.
I'm not silly enough to think I'm going to change the whole culture ... but I do have a belief that soccer can go to a different level.
I think the most important goal I scored in Spain was the first one because people were wary about me coming over to Spain as a player - they thought I was just there to sell shirts.
I think I've lost a lot of my gay fans to Gavin Henson. It's a shame because I really love them.
We've been asked to do 'Playboy' together, me and Victoria, as a pair. I don't think I'll ever go naked, but I'll never say never.
I don't think I'm really in a situation to complain, because I consider myself to be privileged to be doing what I do.
I'm a very stubborn person. I think it has helped me over my career. I'm sure it has hindered me at times as well, but not too many times. I know that if I set my mind to do something, even if people are saying I can't do it, I will achieve it.
I think of Milan every day, really. I was really happy at Milanello. I love the team, the staff, everybody who works there. I love the fans. I miss Milan badly, I miss Italy. I don't miss a single [Milan] game, and I don't understand those that say that Calcio is in difficulty. It's so competitive and complete.
We will support the manager until he leaves at the end of the tournament. That's clear for the players.
I've seen his mother talk on the TV and and I think he's got strong parents behind him, and that's what you need when you start out as a sportsman.