Football: Beckham wants to lead Team GB at Olympics

Jan 20, 2012 |

Los Angeles

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David Beckham has set his sights on captaining Great Britain in their bid for gold at this year's London Olympics.

LA Galaxy midfielder Beckham would love to lead Team GB's men's football team and has already spoken to the squad's coach Stuart Pearce about wearing the armband.

It would be an emotional moment for Beckham, who was brought up not far from the Olympic Stadium in London's East End.

"To lead the team into the Olympics would be special for any player," said Beckham, who captained England 59 times.

"Hopefully I will be involved in the Olympics. I want to be part of the GB team. I have never played in the Olympics and I know how exciting it is for our nation to have the Olympics in the East End of London, especially for me growing up in the East End," he said.

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham this week agreed a new two-year contract with the Galaxy after several months of speculation that he might leave the American club.

Before snubbing offers from Paris St Germain and two English Premier League clubs, the 36-year-old was sure to confirm that Galaxy manager Bruce Arena was willing to release him for Olympic duty even though it is during the Major League Soccer season.

"It is great that we have Galaxy boss Bruce Arena on board if I am gone for that time," Beckham said.

"As for being captain of the GB Team, I've had conversations with Stuart but being selected is not even decided yet. If I am fit, healthy and in form, then hopefully I will be in the team."

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