Beckham : "The Olympics ? A huge dream !"

David Beckham was the very first guest of the "Tony Parker Show" on the French radio RMC. During 10 minutes, the French basketball star interviewed the English soccer superstar about his life in LA, the Major League Soccer and his whole career. Becks has one more goal to achieve : playing the Olympics with England in 2012.

David, how's the season going in LA ?

The season has been really good. We have 2 more games in the regular season. We won the Western Conference, so that’s a good thing. We top both east and west. The play-offs starts in 2 weeks.

How do you feel physically ? I know you had a big injury on your tendon.

I feel great ! It was difficult coming back from a rupture of Achilles. I feel great physically, mentally I feel good. I had a bit of a back problem a couple of months ago, but it’s also cleared up. I feel great physically, the best I felt for a while.

How was your game against Thierry Henry, when you played versus New York ?

When I play against Thierry, it’s always a great game for me, because he’s not just a good friend, but he’s also one of the best players in the world for a few years, a great goal scorer. Every time he played against us, he scored. You know, he’s a good friend of mine, I know he’s a good friend of yours. It’s great to have him in this league, because a name like Thierry Henry takes it to a higher level.

What's the biggest difference between US soccer and european soccer ?

Obviously, that’s different. European leagues have been around for many years. This league has been around for 16-17 years now. It definitely grew up, with new players, new stadiums… It became a bigger league. Obviously, there’s a difference. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to play here, because there’s a challenge to make it bigger and a challenge to put it out there with some of the greatest European players. I’m enjoying that challenge.

What's your toughest memory in your career ?

I’ve got two : the send-off in the World Cup, in 1998, and everything that I went through after that. Obviously, not being part of the World Cup in South Africa was not pleasant, but there was more dignity because when you’re injured, it’s out of your hands.
The other one was the injury that I got, the rupture of Achilles, it was difficult to come back after that. That was a big challenge.

And what's the best memory in your career ?

My best memory was obviously in 1999, when Manchester United won the Tripled. I think that was such a big thing, historically, the way we won it, I don’t think it will ever be done again.
Manchester United won the European Cup in 2008, they’ve got some great players, a great team. But I think in 99, the way we won it, I don’t think we’ll be beaten. I hope for Manchester United, but I don’t think it will be beaten.

What do you think of England, what are their chances for the European Championship ?

It’s great to be qualified, so early and so well ! There was a difficult time with the team, there are young and new players that have been given a chance. We got some great young fellas, it’s exciting. We don’t play as well as people want, but at the end of the day, it’s about result.

It's a dream for you to play with them in Olympics ?

Playing in the Olympics would be a huge dream ! I played so many games in my career, and great games, I’m proud of that, but playing the Olympics, it’s another huge thing. I love my country, I’m proud to play for my country, and representing the Three Lions team in the Olympics would be huge. I’m already part of these Games, no matter what happens, as an Ambassador. It’s in the East of London, where I grew up, I would be so proud.

How long do you want to play ?

I’m 36 now, I’ve seen many players stopping now or earlier than me. But I still feel great, I still love the game. As long as I love to play, I will continue.

Do you know what you want to do after your career ? For example, being in Manchester like Zidane in Real Madrid ?

I would love that ! I’m enjoying playing like I’m playing right now. As you know, you spend so much time away from your family and friends. I’m going to concentrate on my kids, on my wife and family. Whatever comes in the future, I’ll enjoy it. It will be great time. But I’ll always be involved in football. It’s my second love after my family.

Who's the best player you played with ?

Zidane.

The toughest ?

Roberto Carlos.

The best team today ?

I have to say Barcelona, I don’t want to but I have to, even if I played for Real Madrid !

The best player today ?

Messi.

The best player ever ?

Diego Maradona.

Your favorite basketball player ?

Tony Parker !

Between those two yords, you have to choose one : Lakers or Spurs ?

Lakers.

LA or London ?

That’s a tough one ! It’s have to be London, even if I love LA.

Maradona or Pelé ?

Maradona.

Manchester or Madrid ?

Another tough one ! I love them both !

World Cup or the Olympics ?

Both again !

Do you think your kids will play basketball or soccer ?

I think that living in America, they have so many sports to choose ! They love playing basketball and soccer, so I don’t care : whatever sport they choose, if they love playing it, that’s all I ask.

RMC Sport