A clearly jetlagged David Beckham and his LA Galaxy team-mates arrived in Australia on Thursday ahead of their game with the Newcastle Jets at EnergyAustralia on Saturday night.
A clearly jetlagged Beckham and his LA Galaxy team-mates arrived in Australia on Thursday ahead of their game with the Newcastle Jets at EnergyAustralia on Saturday night.
The most recognisable footballer on the planet and Galaxy and US skipper Landon Donovan took a few questions from the media before being whisked onto a private jet with the rest of the squad for the short flight to Newcastle.
It’s Beckham’s first visit back to Australia since the Galaxy were last in town in 2007 when they went down to Sydney FC 5-3.
The former Manchester United star said he was excited to be back Down Under again but warned Branko Culina’s side the Galaxy weren’t here just for a holiday.
“It didn’t really go to script (last time), we lost the game,” Beckham told reporters on Thursday.
“I was happy with the goal but we lost the game so we weren’t so happy.”
“We’re honoured to be here. It’s something the players have talked about, excited about and an experience we can enjoy.”
“We’ve had a good season, it was disappointing at the end but it’s been a good season for us and we’re here to enjoy ourselves but we’re also here to perform and hopefully win.”
Beckham said he was well aware of the standard of the Hyundai A-League and had been keeping an eye on the performances of former England team-mate Fowler.
While admitting he hadn’t given too much thought about one-day joining the former Liverpool star in the Australian competition, he wasn’t ruling it out once his deal with the Galaxy ends.
“Obviously I’ve seen the progress of Robbie here. I saw him score his hat-trick the other day,” Beckham said.
“The success of having him here for the league is immense. Congratulations to him.”
“I’m contracted to the galaxy, I love playing there. We’ve got a great team, great support and it’s something that I’m enjoying.”
“I’ve got another year and a bit left … it’s (next contract) something I haven’t thought about too much but you never know.”
Asked about Australia’s chances of winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup, a philosophical Beckham said: “I’ve only thought about our (England’s) bid for 2018, that’s something that we’re working hard towards something that we’re very proud to be in the running to get it.”
“Everyone’s got a chance to host that 2022 World Cup. Obviously the US is up for it as well.”
“Both countries could host a huge competition like the World Cup.”
“It’s the biggest sporting event in the world something every country wants to host but who gets it, we’ll see.”
After a tough MLS season and this final game against the Jets, Beckham said he was looking forward to enjoying some downtime following Saturday’s match.
“We’ve just been told that the wine is pretty good in Newcastle so we might have a glass or two after the game,” he said.
