David Beckham is known by many as much for being a celebrity as a footballer – but it shouldn’t ever be forgotten what a bloody incredible player he was.
Beckham won 19 trophies in 20 years as a player, becoming the first English player to win league titles in four different counties: England, Spain, USA and France.
He also won 115 England caps, recovering from being the nation’s most hated player to undoubtedly the most loved. And, as these quotes prove, one of the most respected in the world.
Paul Raynor, Preston
“I was taken off for David to go on [for his debut, as a substitute against Doncaster]. So I was chuntering on the bench, then he went and scored directly from a corner. I had to shut up then.”
Sir Alex Ferguson
“He was extraordinary. When he first came to us he would train morning and afternoon then show up in the evening to join in with the schoolboys. At the start of each season we used to give all the players a bleep test to get a sense of their aerobic fitness, and Beckham was always off the scale.
“True winners are relentless. The very best players compete against themselves to become as good as they can be. They have to be dragged off the training ground.”
Glenn Hoddle
“The first time I saw him was when he was a teenager and I took my Chelsea side to Old Trafford. You could tell then he was going to the top.
“He looked different, special. He was better than any other players on the pitch that day and he was just a kid.”
Paul Ince
“Becks was the true professional, he was probably the best technical player I played with. I used to watch him and watch him.
“As soon as we’d finished [training], the mannequins would be out and he’d be taking free-kicks, corners and he’d do it for an hour.
“Every training session he’d give 110%, he would never beat anybody but if you give him a yard, he’ll put in the best balls you’ll ever see. What a player.”
Matt Le Tissier
“He made every single ounce out of all the ability he had. The way he carried on to the age he played to was outstanding. He kept himself in great shape. He was the best set-piece taker I saw in my time.
“It’s hard for me to admit, but he was probably better than me at set pieces!”
James Brown, writer
“I found it strange when football writers started to do Beckham down, saying he wasn’t a true England great, had no pace, had to try and practice hard when others like Gazza, Charlton and Barnes before them had had natural ability….
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