Beckham Quits As England’s Captain
Posted July 2, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
David Beckham said he’d like to continue to play for England, but not as team captain.
“I have lived the dream,” he said holding back tears. “I am extremely proud to have worn the armband and been captain of England and for that, I will always be grateful.”
The 31-year-old soccer star has held the captaincy since 2000 and on Sunday he said it was time to pass the responsibility on to another player. He’s been the English captain for 58 of his 94 caps.
Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard or Chelsea defender John Terry are reportedly the top candidates to fill the post. They’re both captains for their Premier League teams.
Beckham rose to stardom for his soccer skills and his marriage to former Spice Girl Victoria Adams, or Posh Spice, and they’ve become Britain’s biggest celebrity couple.
His curling free kicks inspired the 2003 film “Bend It Like Beckham”.
Beckham said Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Portugal was the most difficult of his career. He couldn’t participate in the penalty kicks because of an injury.
He received a red card in his first World Cup appearance in 1998 in a second round game against Argentina.
And he didn’t play to his full potential in the 2002 tournament because he broke his foot in the lead-up to that World Cup.
