The veteran midfielder has again spoken of his desire to represent his country at the summer tournament, calling it a 'huge' opportunity, while hailing the talents of Lionel Messi
LAG
SEA
LAG
SEA
David Beckham is still hopeful of being selected to represent the Great Britain team in the London 2012 Olympics.
The 37-year-old will be given permission by Los Angeles Galaxy, if picked, to take part in the tournament, has been vocal about his desire to feature in Stuart Pearce’s 18-man squad as one of three nominated over-23 players.
Having been born and raised near what is now the Olympic site, Beckham has said that featuring for his country between July 25 and August 11 would be “huge”.
The former England captain - having seemingly lost his place in the senior England side - told CNN: "Obviously I have spoken with Stuart Pearce and he is well aware of how much I want to be involved, but it's down to me being fit and in form.
“I’ve always been proud to represent my country, whether it be World Cups, European Championships or just friendly games.
“It’s a big year for our country. The Diamond Jubilee with the Royal Family and then obviously the Olympics, and the Paralympics we’ve got. It’s a big year.
“For myself to be involved, that would be huge. Being from the East End of London, that part of London where the Olympics is happening, [it] would be even more special.
“I’ll continue to work hard here, keep myself fit, keep myself ready, and hopefully I’ll be selected.
“I’m not ready to finish yet. I want to continue to be a champion.”
Stuart Pearce’s ensemble, titled ‘Team GB’, will be made up of players from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in addition to England.
Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs, Beckham's former team-mate, is also reported to be interested be one last hurrah, while 32-year-old Ronaldinho has been selected in Brazil’s provisional squad.
With Argentina failing to qualify from the South American section, current World Player of the Year Lionel Messi will not be gracing the London turf.
Beckham hailed the talents of the diminutive forward, calling him “an incredible talent”.
He went on: "Messi is obviously the best player in the world. [Cristiano] Ronaldo, again, is up there as well because they're both two stunning talents, they're both two great players who can change games within seconds. It's a joy to watch both of them."
