Beckham left out of Team GB’s Olympic squad
David Beckham has been left out of Great Britain’s Olympic football team by Stuart Pearce in a shock move which looks like the end of the player’s international career.
The former England captain seemed to be certain to be part of the summer event but Micah Richards, Craig Bellamy and Ryan Giggs have been picked as the only three older players taking part.
David Beckham was included in Pearce’s 35-man shortlist but has not made the final cut.
The star, who currently plays for MLS side LA Galaxy, played a massive role in London securing the Olympics in 2005, and has stayed involved.
Beckham said: “Everyone knows how much playing for my country has always meant to me. So I would have been honoured to have been part of this unique Team GB squad.”
He added: “Naturally I am very disappointed, but there will be no bigger supporter of the team than me.
“And like everyone, I will be hoping they can win the gold.”
He added: “As a Londoner I was really proud to have played a small part in bringing the Olympics to my home town as part of Seb’s [Coe] team and I can’t wait for the Games to begin and will enjoy every moment along with the rest of Great Britain.”
Beckham was included in Pearce’s 35-man shortlist but has not made the final cut.
Never thought for a second that David Beckham would be excluded from GB’s team. Then again Stuart Pearce has always been his own man
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 28, 2012
Peter Shilton, England’s most capped player with 125 appearances, believes Beckham would have struggled with the physical demands of competing at the Games.
“I’ve not been watching David play in the states but it’s a different level of football over there,” Shilton told Sky Sports News.
“Stuart Pearce wants to do well and win the tournament. To do that you must win so many games in so many days and the older you get the less you can do that.”
Beckham is still expected to have a role to play at the opening ceremony.
