Football Update: Beckham Back at LA Galaxy
One of the most recognizable faces in international football, David Beckham is back on the soccer pitch as he bids to regain his fitness, to resurrect his fledgling career plagued by an Achilles injury.
The last few years have brought little on-field success for the former England captain, who made a grand entry in English football scene representing Manchester United club in 1996.
Since then he touched the pinnacle of fame and fortune churning out millions for the star mid-fielder who is now contemplating his future for his club and national team, after having been forced out of the World Cup in South Africa that concluded with a win for Spain for the first time.
Beckham was on the sidelines, yet sat on the English bench during the dismal campaign for the 1966 World Cup champions, who were sent packing by Germany in the second round.
Since the World Cup, Beckham told media that he had no hopes of joining the England management and is on his road to recovery after he re-joined his Los Angeles Galaxy teammates for practice ahead of their match against the New York Red Bulls.
The Galaxy team practiced in Montclair in New Jersey in the outskirts of New York City.
England manager, Fabio Capello, was reported commenting on Beckham’s return to his national team by claiming that the international career of former captain was over, as he was "probably a bit too old" to play for England again.
During a press conference at the practice, the captain of the Galaxy outfit Landon Donovan said that the star mid-fielder was ready to return to the playing filed, "This is what he does and I think he's desperate to get back and play with the guys." Donovan added that Beckham is still in good shape.
"A number of players throughout, even in the World Cup, throughout the history of time that has played that were older than David and less fit than David at the international level. Whether that was said or not or what was said, who knows, but I know from David's standpoint, if he's fit and healthy, he's still good enough to play for England and I'm sure he would still want to," said Donovan.
The 28 year old captain of LA Galaxy is currently under contract to the Los Angeles Galaxy of U.S. Major League Soccer but has been loaned to Everton last season.
Donovan had an outstanding World cup for his national team, and was unlucky not to lead his team beyond the second round, where they were knocked out by Ghana.
Several European teams including English club Manchester City, have expressed interest in the U.S. midfielder, yet his focus for the time being was in L.A.
"For now, I'm in L.A. and I'm going to be in L.A. As everybody knows in a couple weeks here the European transfer windows closes. If an offer comes about, then I would look at it seriously, but for now, my focus can be here, and I like it that way. I can just focus on what I am doing and if something comes about then we'll take it seriously," he said.
The officials of the league have hoped that the mid-fielder will stay at his home club and help in improving their rank at the national level.
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