Beckham can take the punches....

...the sour grapes cannot.

Published on January 13, 2007 By adnauseam In Sports & Leisure

David Beckham's impending move to Galaxy has provoked mixed reviews in the press today. Some of the comments made about Becks and his multi-million dollar move are quite obviously a sign of sour grapes. Sure, I'd love to earn $90 000 or so a day myself but I don't begrudge Becks' good fortune. Many people forget that Beckham is not just a football player (and one of the best at that), but also a Superstar and creator of wealth for others too. Witness his many sponsorships. I believe he will boost the image of soccer in the US and make it a much bigger sport than it is now. Think back to the 2002 World Cup and the success of the American team. All of us, American and non-American were elated by their success. Those successes will be repeated in the future and Becks will play no small part.

Beckham will always come up against jealousy due to his Superstar status. Look at the way two really sour plums have behaved(they are far too sour to be called grapes!). Many will disagree that it was utter jealousy that prevented Steve McLaren (England Manager), from putting Beckham back into the England team, but I believe it was. I believe McLaren developed a dislike for Beckham during the World Cup and the seeds were sown. Why do I say that? Because Becks was a great Captain with experience and leadership skills and would have been an invaluable aide to new captain John Terry. Why leave a man like that out?

Then, today, the newest sour plum emerged. Fabio Capello, coach for Real Madrid , says Beckham will not play for the team again. How immature. Beckham has played some fine games for Real (just Google the results), and , like other greats like Rooney and Figo et al, has his off days, but to ban him to the bench because he is leaving in June--- " his alliances lay elsewhere now"-- quote, is sheer stupidity. Capello's remarks will not endear him to wiser men who know Beckham never let a side down.

Sheesh, Football. I love it.

Comments

Dr Guy

on Jan 13, 2007

About him improving it here. Pele did not. So I would not bet on it.

But like you, I dont begrudge him his success.

Demosthenes Locke

on Jan 25, 2007

Pele did not. So I would not bet on it.

That's not exactly true. Pele did a lot to increase awareness and popularity of the league. After he retired, though, much of that dried up, and eventually killed it outright. The difference here is that Beckham is more of a team-playmaker, whereas Pele was an individual playmaker. Given Beckham's star power, as well as the type of player he is, I believe there is greater potential for lasting impact to the sport's popularity.

Maybe I'm just being overly optimistic, though. I do love me some good footie.

" his alliances lay elsewhere now"-- quote, is sheer stupidity

If he were going to play for a rival team, I might give this quote some credence, but in this light, it's inane. A different argument could be made that it's pointless to develop a team around individuals who are known to be leaving in short order. I'd buy into that a bit, except for the fact that Beckham draws a crowd. Where there's a crowd, there's money to be had; and this is a professional sport we are considering, so ability to draw in money is obviously important.

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