Football sensation DAVID BECKHAM came in unannounced to talk about his love for his Asian fans, his excitement about owning a football team in America and his association with a hospitality chain in Singapore and Macau. DEEBASHREE MOHANTY met up with him at the Venetian Macau to bring you a report
He has played for 22 years before retiring from his favourite sport but David Beckham is not going to give up his football dream. “It’s not been announced yet but there are talks of me owning a football team in America. Personally, I love the buzz Miami has. For me America is ready to kick some ball and I would love to associate with a team, “ Beckham says.
Outside of football, Beckham has been devoting much of his time to charity and business.
“I have always been very actively involved with charity because that gives me inner peace. I also have keen business acumen so I have lots to do to keep myself busy,” he reveals. And it is strictly business that gets him to Macau.
“We have a lot of exciting things planned with the las Vegas Sands resorts chain, majorly around tourist attractions. I cannot reveal much about the deal as yet,” Beckham he says apologetically. For the moment though the veteran striker is busy touring places in “my favourite continent Asia. They are colourful people and very loud. That’s what I love about them. They are the best cheering crowd,” he says.
The 1998 World Cup wherein Beckham got a red card in the final was his worst most moment in life but that has also made him a better person and a mature player. “I used to get really hyper when injuries happened. There have been quite a few of them in my career. But the red card at the World Cup has made me much more relaxed. I am no longer temperamental while playing. That one moment has made me a much better human being,” he says.
As for his best moment, “the time I got the arm band for England. Nothing matters more to me than having captained such a brilliant team,” he says. The team may be going through a rough patch but according to Beckham you can never underestimate the team.
And who is his role modelIJ “Mohammad Ali is a great role model. He stands for everything that I believe in — passion, devotion and impeccable timing. He is a true legend. I am just another sportsman,” he concludes modestly before turning to the crowd waiting for his autographs.