Gulraj Kular writes for Nottingham Trent University’s Platform on why “Goldenballs” won’t be winning a gold medal:
David Beckham is undeniably one of the icons of the run-up to the London Olympics so far. He was at the forefront of the original bid and has been an inspirational leader through his football career with England. Yet even after all the work he has put in, and his dreams of leading out Team GB on the football pitch, Stuart Pearce has left him out of his squad.
A decision based purely on footballing terms would make this a totally understandable choice by ‘Psycho’. Beckham is 37, well past his best and plying his trade in the less than competitive MLS for LA Galaxy. The MLS has become almost a retirement home for well established footballers, with the likes of Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane also ‘crossing the pond’. Beckham does still retain the ability to put the ball on a six pence with his deadly right foot though – an asset for any team.
There has been plenty of surprise though at Beckham’s exclusion from the three permitted over-age players – with Micah Richards, Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs the selected trio. The idea that Richards, who was unwilling to be on standby for England’s Euro 2012 campaign has been chosen ahead of a man that has always offered his services for his country has riled many.
Full story here.
