Football icon David Beckham was recently quoted as saying that Jose Mourinho is one of the greatest managers in football right now. As obvious as Beckham’s assessment of Mourinho may seem, it appears the two men have a tremendous amount of respect for each other.
When Beckham’s quote was presented to Mourinho in a press conference after Real Madrid thrashed the Los Angeles Galaxy 5-1 in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Home Depot Center, he reciprocated the compliment. “Beckham has always been nice to me. He has always had very good words for me. I’m sorry I could never be his coach. I would love it. Now it’s too late as David is in the last years of his career.”
Clearly Mourinho admires the ex-Real Madrid star, and he didn’t hold back about Beckham missing from Team GB at the Olympics. “There is something I don’t understand and I know because I was also inside the project. If now the Olympic Games are in London, it’s because of him. Yes it’s because of Sebastian Coe and other people, but he was the most important face of that project. I don’t understand why he is not playing though. I cannot understand.”
It’s a shame for Beckham that the Portuguese manager wasn’t choosing the side for Team GB. “I think in a group of 18 players you have football qualities to give, human qualities to give. I think he is one of the best soccer professionals to express the ideals of Pierre de Coubertin. I’m so sorry he is not there. I also participated in the London project and I don’t understand why such a big personality is playing in this preseason friendly match, when he should be at the Olympics.”
This is sure to reignite the debate about Beckham’s exclusion from Stuart Pearce’s Team GB squad. If the team goes on to win Olympic gold, all will be forgotten. For now, it seems even Mourinho is confused as to why England’s most iconic sports export is not present during one of the most important sporting events the country has seen since the 1948 Olympics, 1966 World Cup and Euro ’96.
Frank Lampard also shared the same sentiments as Mourinho when he was in the United States for the MLS All-Star Game. There’s no doubt there are plenty of people in Team Becks’ corner. So far, Team GB seem to be surviving without him. Do you agree with The Special One?
Completly agree with the special one. I was absolutely disgusted that Beckham was not chosen for Team GB! Who won us the Olympic bid? Who made football so popular around the world? (even if it is called soccer) Who is the face of football? Who is always promoting British football in the media? Who is the proudest British player? BECKHAM!
Stuart Pierce can suck it!
I’m not even British and I was upset not to see David Beckham in Team GB. Who doesn’t want to see such an icon on the world’s biggest stage? This guy just doesn’t want to retire.
The Olympics might have been his swan song and he did a lot to bring the games to London. Maybe that doesn’t automatically warrant a place in the team but I agree with Mourinho and Lady Yid that he at least deserved to be in the squad.
By the way must have been cool being in the same room as the Special One!
Beckham has been a professional WHEREVER he has played! Was happy to see him wear the shirt of the Rossoneri even if it was for a short time. STUART PEARCE IS AN IDIOT! Where are TEAM GB now. Shagging birds and drinking which is what most modern players are good for.
Spare a thought for my MILAN. I already miss Zlatan and Silva and the season hasn’t started. Only lucky thing is JUVENTUS might be rubbish because CONTE is going to prison!!!!! CHEATERS CHEATER CHEATERS.
When I spoke with Mourinho his point too was that he didn’t have to play but just having this iconic figure in the dressing room with someone like Giggs would be great for the younger players.
Beckham is a class act and whenever I’m in the dressing room post LA Galaxy games he is always good with the media. That’s been my experience anyway.
He worked hard to get the games to London and ultimately, deserved a spot on the team or some involvement somehow. Bellamy warranted his place as one of the over-aged players but I thought Giggs was poor in the tournament. Yes he was carrying an injury but when he had to come on in the game against South Korea, he had no impact. Look for him to really phase out at United this year. A total legend, but one who should consider hanging up the boots at the Premier League level anyway.
Stuart Pearce got it wrong.
Beckham should’ve been in the squad, and he would’ve started in my 11. The guy did everything to help bring the Olympics to London, and was the face of the campaign. Biggest name in football. But Pearce had a power trip.
Absolute legend Beckham is. A true professional.