David with James I'll take that as a compliment: David copies my shoes after our meeting. David
What David's sister, Joanne, thought of my article
James Davies chats to the former England captain and football's biggest star at The Home Depot Center- home of the Los Angeles Galaxy- as he prepares for the World Cup and limbers up for, potentially, the season of his life.
Having spent the last five weeks travelling much of the United States and visiting the likes of New York, Hollywood, New Orleans, Las Vegas and San Diego, to name but a few stop-off points, with three of my best friends, I didn’t think life could get much better, particularly after hearing I had graduated from university with the grade I had slaved away all year to achieve, and was about to start the latest chapter in my life.
That illusion, however, was smashed to smithereens after discovering what the next twenty four hours had in store for me.
As I sat sunning myself on one of California’s finest shores, eating a beautiful piece of fresh swordfish in the glamorous and highly affluent Newport Beach, I took a well-deserved sip of my cocktail and checked my email - as I so often did, much to the annoyance of those I was travelling with - to find my request to spend the morning with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and their star player David Beckham, had been accepted.
“Can you come out to our training session at 11am on Thursday, at The Home Depot Center?” read the email. “David should be available to the media after training.”
As I sat in my sun lounger punching the air in delight, having secured a meeting with the game’s most famous son, I unsurprisingly sent my response at a speed Usain Bolt would have been proud of. “Thanks Patrick, that’s great. I really look forward to seeing you and the team tomorrow.”
Although our meeting wouldn’t be the one to one sit down interview I had really wanted, it was a starting point and an opportunity to meet and question, in my opinion, England’s finest number seven and, more importantly, my footballing hero, along with a handful of other journalists from around the world, ahead of the Galaxy’s game against the European champions, Barcelona.
Preparing for the day ahead, I placed my alarm clock within an inch of my ear. I wasn’t leaving anything to chance. As my alarm screeched, waking half the campsite, I crawled out of my tent, dragging myself to the shower to try and gain some sense of consciousness. As the cold water dripped momentarily onto my forehead, I began to run through what I would ask the world’s most famous ‘soccer’ player.
For some, David Beckham has been, for most of his career, one of the best footballers on the planet and let’s face it, someone who has worked his socks off to achieve all he has throughout his illustrious career. For others, he is a global sex symbol, fashion icon, multi-millionaire and one half of the world’s most famous and readily talked about celebrity couples. For me, however, David is quite simply, as anyone who knows me will tell you, the footballer I wanted to be as a child.
As a little boy, I grew up awe-struck by his ability on the field and despite his sending off against Argentina during the World Cup in 1998, I remembered his performance days earlier against Columbia in which he scored a magnificently marvellous trade-mark free kick. Despite that faux-pas, I stuck by the world’s most exciting player.
My earliest memory of the soccer superstar, however, came in 1995 against Wimbledon as I witnessed him caress the ball into the net from the halfway line.
Although that was a spectacular moment and, for any other professional player, a career- defining couple of seconds, it was merely a highlight in David’s career. My true appreciation for the player nicknamed ‘Golden Balls’ came during the nail-biting stalemate against Greece.
David was extraordinary that day, single-handedly guiding the national team to the World Cup finals. For a 13-year old boy, there was no greater role model. Living through moments like that Greece goal and the penalty against Argentina are irreplaceable moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.
From the modest parks of Leytonstone to the glamorous showbiz setting of Los Angeles, David Beckham has made it to the top with his sheer hard work and determination.
Having spent the best part of a week in sunny California, I was only too aware of the relentless heat. Although I usually enjoy dressing smartly for occasions such as this, the Californian sun was unbearable and made me think twice about sporting a suit. Nevertheless, I excitedly buttoned up my slightly creased white shirt and put on my favourite tie.
Hopping into the Jeep we had been driving throughout the course of our trip, I placed my sunglasses on the top of my head to complete the L.A. look, and made my way down the highway in search of the American dream. Driving across wasn’t so much a chore as I was incredibly excited about the prospect of the day’s events. The hot West coast sun thumped down on to my already sun-burnt face.
Once I had arrived in Carson- the home of the L.A Galaxy and England’s David Beckham- I was ushered passed some of the strictest security I have ever come across, to one of the clubs exclusive parking spaces.
Having arrived about two hours before the team were due to train, I was able to soak up the atmosphere and walk around the place that has, in recent years, been at the forefront of a tsunami of press attention, since David’s arrival two summers ago.
The anticipation was enormous as I explored the fascinating surroundings while I waited.
Soon, Patrick, the affable Director of Communications, collected me and took me through yet more security on our way over to the training field. As the players began to emerge, a smile grew on my face.
Like a school team on games day, the players walked out with bags slung over their shoulders and shirts un-tucked and with the background noise of chatter and joking.
What struck me the most was their dedication and skill. Although the standard in Major League Soccer has been criticised, the players made the people’s sport look so easy, yet stylish, composed and clinical.
Players flung themselves around all morning, chasing the ball during games that featured three-a-side and one-touch passing. The sheer competitiveness was overwhelming.
None of the squad was content with passing the ball round the opposition. They all felt the need to try new and inventive tricks to embarrass their colleagues, creating a monumental amount of banter amongst the side. But the professional side of what they were doing shone through. It wasn’t a simple game or a half-hearted training session they were taking part in, but a gruelling practice monitored by Bruce Arena.
Before the team even kicked a ball, they were led around the pitch several times to warm up. They then stretched off at every corner and, once they were well prepared, gathered together for a team talk.
Having watched the entire training session, Patrick took me deep into the stadium, away from prying eyes, where I would get my opportunity to speak to David. With endless newspaper column inches devoted to one of the most talked about men in the world, it seems that we know everything there is to know about David Beckham. Or do we? Set beneath the ground, the venue for our meeting was fascinating. It was a labyrinthine maze full of staircases, corridors and rooms.
Holding tightly to his three boys, David slowly came into sight. Ushering his children through to one of the many rooms, he disappeared for a minute or two, only to re-appear with a broad smile emblazoned across his instantly recognisable face.
As David headed towards the media scrum, that had converged at the end of the long passageway, I must admit I was rather taken aback with the rather casual and laid back way he sauntered down the dimly- lit corridor. He didn’t, as many might have cynically expected, traipse in with an entourage, or turn up decked-out in designer gear. Instead, in stark contrast, he was accompanied solely by his three children where he was, from what I could see, performing his fatherly duties.
Wearing a tightly-fitted grey t-shirt, jeans and a smashing pair of glittery blue shoes and with his hair all immaculately in place, David greeted everyone with a smile. Although he was a little smaller and a little leaner than I had anticipated, he seemed to be perfectly at ease with himself.
After shaking hands and quickly exchanging pleasantries with him I, along with the handful of other media present, began questioning him. I just stood there, transfixed, staring at him, studying his every move and listening to every word he spoke.
Say what you will about Beckham - and a lot has been made over the years by members of the media - although not by me - that he isn’t the brightest or most articulate guy in the world - he spoke intelligently, thoughtfully, openly and frankly. Never once did he waver or decline to answer a question, or try to skirt an issue.
When answering a question about the recent reaction by L.A Galaxy fans over his decision to play in Europe, which has caused a minor ruckus, David just charmingly said: “I’m just trying to ignore it as much as I can. I think that’s the way you have to deal with these things. I’ve had it a lot worse than I’ve had here.
“After ’98 it was at its worst- but I’ve had it bad in a number of different places I’ve played- it’s just part of the game.
“When it happens, it can sometimes become a distraction not just for myself but for the team, the team have done well to deal with the situation.”
He added: “I’ve got the support of the players, the management and the owners and for me that’s the most important thing. I’m happy to be back and I’m happy to be playing with these players and with this team. I’m enjoying it.”
With all media outlets firing at all cylinders, in a media scrum that seemed to suffocate David for space, I waited for my chance to fire a couple of questions of my own.
Amongst the crowd of American twangs came my English accent. Immediately David looked up and smiled at me- I think he had found it rather comforting to hear the tones of a ‘Brit’.
With his attention fixed firmly on me, I began to explain to the superstar that I was in the States on a road trip, to which the affable midfielder smiled. “What would you advise me do while I’m here in L.A?” I asked.
Without a hint of hesitation, David enthusiastically retorted, “Go to the beaches.”
Before adding: “There are quite a few nice beaches out there. L.A life is great. The weather’s great and people are always good to you. You’ll have a good time while you’re here.”
I was impressed with the genuine niceness of the man who is, at times, all too easily and unfairly criticised.
And when asked about his three boys, David said with a huge smile: “Having my children was the most important thing to me. When Brooklyn was born football came second. Having my family is my proudest achievement.
“I’m a very proud father and love to be with my three boys. We like to play on the beach and do normal things like that.”
Having played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and A.C Milan-three of the biggest clubs in the world- as well as captaining his country, where does this insatiable drive that seems to be instilled in our finest football icon come from?
“My drive has come from my parents, my family and the clubs that I’ve played for and the mangers I played under.
“When you play under some of the managers I’ve played under, if you don’t have that drive then you don’t get in the team, so I have been brought up on it from an early age. My drive to succeed will always be insatiable.”
He added: “It was the way I was brought up and it’s the way I’ve always played. Every club that I’ve been at has driven me to success. Once it’s in you, I don’t think it will change.”
Having reached the pinnacle of sporting success himself, what advice would he give the next generation of footballers who wished to become the next David Beckham and, if possible, achieve all he has accomplished throughout his illustrious career?
“I’ve been lucky with my career but I’ve worked hard to achieve what I have.
“Kids out there, if they want to become a professional footballer then you have to work hard and enjoy it.
“I’ve enjoyed my whole career and I’ll be very honoured to enjoy it until it finishes.”
Asked about his plans after retirement, he said he wanted to make up for lost time with his family. You could tell from the way he lovingly talked about his wife and kids that he is a devoted family man, and that he hates to be away from them for any length of time.
It was refreshing to meet an athlete who keeps things in perspective. David Beckham is the most famous sports star in the world but, instead of puffing his chest out, he remembers what’s most important in this world: his family.
But for all the fuss and humdrum that goes with being the most famous footballer in the world, David is a down to earth man who is unquestionably more approachable than others who have less talent than he does in his little toe- the one on the left foot!
Although he is proud of his admirable success and he is proud of his wife and children, he is, beneath all that star-like veneer, an ordinary person, which was refreshing to find.
A first-rate footballer? Yes. A first-rate person? Without question. Having waited many years to meet my hero, I was not disappointed and he was just the way I hoped he would be. Thank you David.
It was only on the way home, though, that I was able to reflect on a wonderful day.
Not only had I spoken to and met a great ambassador of the game but the player who has mesmerised, influenced and inspired me, and countless millions around the world. The day also confirmed what I had been thinking for a long time. ‘Becks’ is back to his best and the World Cup is on its way home!
David Beckham: My Side - The Autobiography by David Beckham, Published by Harper Collins.
Having spent the last five weeks travelling much of the United States and visiting the likes of New York, Hollywood, New Orleans, Las Vegas and San Diego, to name but a few stop-off points, with three of my best friends, I didn’t think life could get much better, particularly after hearing I had graduated from university with the grade I had slaved away all year to achieve, and was about to start the latest chapter in my life.
That illusion, however, was smashed to smithereens after discovering what the next twenty four hours had in store for me.
As I sat sunning myself on one of California’s finest shores, eating a beautiful piece of fresh swordfish in the glamorous and highly affluent Newport Beach, I took a well-deserved sip of my cocktail and checked my email - as I so often did, much to the annoyance of those I was travelling with - to find my request to spend the morning with the Los Angeles Galaxy, and their star player David Beckham, had been accepted.
“Can you come out to our training session at 11am on Thursday, at The Home Depot Center?” read the email. “David should be available to the media after training.”
As I sat in my sun lounger punching the air in delight, having secured a meeting with the game’s most famous son, I unsurprisingly sent my response at a speed Usain Bolt would have been proud of. “Thanks Patrick, that’s great. I really look forward to seeing you and the team tomorrow.”
Although our meeting wouldn’t be the one to one sit down interview I had really wanted, it was a starting point and an opportunity to meet and question, in my opinion, England’s finest number seven and, more importantly, my footballing hero, along with a handful of other journalists from around the world, ahead of the Galaxy’s game against the European champions, Barcelona.
Preparing for the day ahead, I placed my alarm clock within an inch of my ear. I wasn’t leaving anything to chance. As my alarm screeched, waking half the campsite, I crawled out of my tent, dragging myself to the shower to try and gain some sense of consciousness. As the cold water dripped momentarily onto my forehead, I began to run through what I would ask the world’s most famous ‘soccer’ player.
For some, David Beckham has been, for most of his career, one of the best footballers on the planet and let’s face it, someone who has worked his socks off to achieve all he has throughout his illustrious career. For others, he is a global sex symbol, fashion icon, multi-millionaire and one half of the world’s most famous and readily talked about celebrity couples. For me, however, David is quite simply, as anyone who knows me will tell you, the footballer I wanted to be as a child.
As a little boy, I grew up awe-struck by his ability on the field and despite his sending off against Argentina during the World Cup in 1998, I remembered his performance days earlier against Columbia in which he scored a magnificently marvellous trade-mark free kick. Despite that faux-pas, I stuck by the world’s most exciting player.
My earliest memory of the soccer superstar, however, came in 1995 against Wimbledon as I witnessed him caress the ball into the net from the halfway line.
Although that was a spectacular moment and, for any other professional player, a career- defining couple of seconds, it was merely a highlight in David’s career. My true appreciation for the player nicknamed ‘Golden Balls’ came during the nail-biting stalemate against Greece.
David was extraordinary that day, single-handedly guiding the national team to the World Cup finals. For a 13-year old boy, there was no greater role model. Living through moments like that Greece goal and the penalty against Argentina are irreplaceable moments I will cherish for the rest of my life.
From the modest parks of Leytonstone to the glamorous showbiz setting of Los Angeles, David Beckham has made it to the top with his sheer hard work and determination.
Having spent the best part of a week in sunny California, I was only too aware of the relentless heat. Although I usually enjoy dressing smartly for occasions such as this, the Californian sun was unbearable and made me think twice about sporting a suit. Nevertheless, I excitedly buttoned up my slightly creased white shirt and put on my favourite tie.
Hopping into the Jeep we had been driving throughout the course of our trip, I placed my sunglasses on the top of my head to complete the L.A. look, and made my way down the highway in search of the American dream. Driving across wasn’t so much a chore as I was incredibly excited about the prospect of the day’s events. The hot West coast sun thumped down on to my already sun-burnt face.
Once I had arrived in Carson- the home of the L.A Galaxy and England’s David Beckham- I was ushered passed some of the strictest security I have ever come across, to one of the clubs exclusive parking spaces.
Having arrived about two hours before the team were due to train, I was able to soak up the atmosphere and walk around the place that has, in recent years, been at the forefront of a tsunami of press attention, since David’s arrival two summers ago.
The anticipation was enormous as I explored the fascinating surroundings while I waited.
Soon, Patrick, the affable Director of Communications, collected me and took me through yet more security on our way over to the training field. As the players began to emerge, a smile grew on my face.
Like a school team on games day, the players walked out with bags slung over their shoulders and shirts un-tucked and with the background noise of chatter and joking.
What struck me the most was their dedication and skill. Although the standard in Major League Soccer has been criticised, the players made the people’s sport look so easy, yet stylish, composed and clinical.
Players flung themselves around all morning, chasing the ball during games that featured three-a-side and one-touch passing. The sheer competitiveness was overwhelming.
None of the squad was content with passing the ball round the opposition. They all felt the need to try new and inventive tricks to embarrass their colleagues, creating a monumental amount of banter amongst the side. But the professional side of what they were doing shone through. It wasn’t a simple game or a half-hearted training session they were taking part in, but a gruelling practice monitored by Bruce Arena.
Before the team even kicked a ball, they were led around the pitch several times to warm up. They then stretched off at every corner and, once they were well prepared, gathered together for a team talk.
Having watched the entire training session, Patrick took me deep into the stadium, away from prying eyes, where I would get my opportunity to speak to David. With endless newspaper column inches devoted to one of the most talked about men in the world, it seems that we know everything there is to know about David Beckham. Or do we? Set beneath the ground, the venue for our meeting was fascinating. It was a labyrinthine maze full of staircases, corridors and rooms.
Holding tightly to his three boys, David slowly came into sight. Ushering his children through to one of the many rooms, he disappeared for a minute or two, only to re-appear with a broad smile emblazoned across his instantly recognisable face.
As David headed towards the media scrum, that had converged at the end of the long passageway, I must admit I was rather taken aback with the rather casual and laid back way he sauntered down the dimly- lit corridor. He didn’t, as many might have cynically expected, traipse in with an entourage, or turn up decked-out in designer gear. Instead, in stark contrast, he was accompanied solely by his three children where he was, from what I could see, performing his fatherly duties.
Wearing a tightly-fitted grey t-shirt, jeans and a smashing pair of glittery blue shoes and with his hair all immaculately in place, David greeted everyone with a smile. Although he was a little smaller and a little leaner than I had anticipated, he seemed to be perfectly at ease with himself.
After shaking hands and quickly exchanging pleasantries with him I, along with the handful of other media present, began questioning him. I just stood there, transfixed, staring at him, studying his every move and listening to every word he spoke.
Say what you will about Beckham - and a lot has been made over the years by members of the media - although not by me - that he isn’t the brightest or most articulate guy in the world - he spoke intelligently, thoughtfully, openly and frankly. Never once did he waver or decline to answer a question, or try to skirt an issue.
When answering a question about the recent reaction by L.A Galaxy fans over his decision to play in Europe, which has caused a minor ruckus, David just charmingly said: “I’m just trying to ignore it as much as I can. I think that’s the way you have to deal with these things. I’ve had it a lot worse than I’ve had here.
“After ’98 it was at its worst- but I’ve had it bad in a number of different places I’ve played- it’s just part of the game.
“When it happens, it can sometimes become a distraction not just for myself but for the team, the team have done well to deal with the situation.”
He added: “I’ve got the support of the players, the management and the owners and for me that’s the most important thing. I’m happy to be back and I’m happy to be playing with these players and with this team. I’m enjoying it.”
With all media outlets firing at all cylinders, in a media scrum that seemed to suffocate David for space, I waited for my chance to fire a couple of questions of my own.
Amongst the crowd of American twangs came my English accent. Immediately David looked up and smiled at me- I think he had found it rather comforting to hear the tones of a ‘Brit’.
With his attention fixed firmly on me, I began to explain to the superstar that I was in the States on a road trip, to which the affable midfielder smiled. “What would you advise me do while I’m here in L.A?” I asked.
Without a hint of hesitation, David enthusiastically retorted, “Go to the beaches.”
Before adding: “There are quite a few nice beaches out there. L.A life is great. The weather’s great and people are always good to you. You’ll have a good time while you’re here.”
I was impressed with the genuine niceness of the man who is, at times, all too easily and unfairly criticised.
And when asked about his three boys, David said with a huge smile: “Having my children was the most important thing to me. When Brooklyn was born football came second. Having my family is my proudest achievement.
“I’m a very proud father and love to be with my three boys. We like to play on the beach and do normal things like that.”
Having played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and A.C Milan-three of the biggest clubs in the world- as well as captaining his country, where does this insatiable drive that seems to be instilled in our finest football icon come from?
“My drive has come from my parents, my family and the clubs that I’ve played for and the mangers I played under.
“When you play under some of the managers I’ve played under, if you don’t have that drive then you don’t get in the team, so I have been brought up on it from an early age. My drive to succeed will always be insatiable.”
He added: “It was the way I was brought up and it’s the way I’ve always played. Every club that I’ve been at has driven me to success. Once it’s in you, I don’t think it will change.”
Having reached the pinnacle of sporting success himself, what advice would he give the next generation of footballers who wished to become the next David Beckham and, if possible, achieve all he has accomplished throughout his illustrious career?
“I’ve been lucky with my career but I’ve worked hard to achieve what I have.
“Kids out there, if they want to become a professional footballer then you have to work hard and enjoy it.
“I’ve enjoyed my whole career and I’ll be very honoured to enjoy it until it finishes.”
Asked about his plans after retirement, he said he wanted to make up for lost time with his family. You could tell from the way he lovingly talked about his wife and kids that he is a devoted family man, and that he hates to be away from them for any length of time.
It was refreshing to meet an athlete who keeps things in perspective. David Beckham is the most famous sports star in the world but, instead of puffing his chest out, he remembers what’s most important in this world: his family.
But for all the fuss and humdrum that goes with being the most famous footballer in the world, David is a down to earth man who is unquestionably more approachable than others who have less talent than he does in his little toe- the one on the left foot!
Although he is proud of his admirable success and he is proud of his wife and children, he is, beneath all that star-like veneer, an ordinary person, which was refreshing to find.
A first-rate footballer? Yes. A first-rate person? Without question. Having waited many years to meet my hero, I was not disappointed and he was just the way I hoped he would be. Thank you David.
It was only on the way home, though, that I was able to reflect on a wonderful day.
Not only had I spoken to and met a great ambassador of the game but the player who has mesmerised, influenced and inspired me, and countless millions around the world. The day also confirmed what I had been thinking for a long time. ‘Becks’ is back to his best and the World Cup is on its way home!
David Beckham: My Side - The Autobiography by David Beckham, Published by Harper Collins.
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