12 November 2005
Exclusive Interview: David Beckham (Part Two)

The England captain talks exclusively to TheFA.com ahead of the game against Argentina, his 50th as skipper.


Click here to watch Part One of our Exclusive Interview with Becks

Standing on the brink of one of the biggest achievements in the game, David Beckham can still remember the times when a new football kit was his biggest wish.

When he leads out England to face Argentina on Saturday, it will be his 50th appearance as captain of his country. Yet, at his core, the Real Madrid Galactico still remains the football addict from Leytonstone.

“Football is all I’ve ever wanted and all I’ve ever had,” he explains. “Since I could walk, since I could talk, it’s the only thing I ever wanted to do. A football kit is the only present I ever asked for at Christmas. So, for me, there is no other option apart from football.”

That boy with the ball at his feet has come a long way, in every sense. And now history will place him alongside Billy Wright, Bobby Moore and Bryan Robson as the quartet with the most captain’s caps to their name.

“It is some accolade,” admits Becks. “Bryan Robson was my favourite player and Bobby Moore is a legend to me and so many players and people around the world.”

So how does Becks describe the brand of captaincy that has brought to the team over the last five years?

“I’ve never been the sort of captain that shouts and is aggressive,” he says.

“There are players like that and it works for them. But the way I do it is different and that’s the way I think is best, personally.”

And could it be that maybe, just maybe, David won't be the last Beckham we’ll see in an England shirt? Because it seems that the football gene has well and truly been passed on to David’s two eldest sons, Brooklyn and Romeo.

“They are in love with football; they are mad about it,” says David. “So every spare minute they get and every spare minute I get, that’s all they want to do.”

So, the killer question: are they showing any signs of the Beckham magic yet?

“They are. Brooklyn’s very strong. He’s got a very powerful kick on him and he’s got some talent. Romeo’s showing the talent as well but he’s smaller - he’s only three years old. They both just adore football.”

Like father, like sons.