LIKE BECKHAM'
MANILA, DECEMBER 2, 2011 (STAR) By Olmin Leyba (Photo
is loading... Football's glamour boy David Beckham (third from left) poses with
LA Galaxy teammate Landon Donovan (second from left) and Philippine Azkals
mainstays (from left) Ali Borromeo, Chieffy Caligdong and brothers James and
Phil Younghusband during yesterday's press conference launching the
Galaxy-Azkals match as part of the LA Galaxy Asia-Pacific Tour. JUN MENDOZA)
More than the friendly match with the Philippine Azkals, football glamour boy
David Beckham of the LA Galaxy looks forward to mingling with kids to try to
share them inputs on how to "bend it like Beckham."
"I'm gonna try," Beckham, looking dapper in a white Herbalife Galaxy shirt,
said with a smile during yesterday's well-attended press conference at the
Shangri-La Hotel.
The 36-year-old Englishman has earned a reputation for his efficient swerving
kicks on the pitch, complementing his movie star looks and marriage to fashion
icon Victoria Beckham.
On the second stop of their Asia Pacific Tour presented by Herbalife, Beckham
and the MLS champs Galaxy will conduct a football clinic for underprivileged
kids from Payatas, Bantay Bata, Unicef, Futkaleros and other football-oriented
charities today from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Rizal pitch.
" I think every player's got certain abilities. You know Landon Donovan, he's
good at finishing. For myself, it's obviously my free kick and corners. It's
something that worked for me through the years," he said.
"I know my strengths and weaknesses and I work on both of them. It's
something that we can teach kids," said Beckham, whose team will battle the
Philippine Azkals in what they considered a tough match tomorrow night at the
Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.
JFootball superstar David Beckham arrives at the NAIA yesterday
for tomorrow's match between the Philippine Azkals and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
RUDY SANTOS
Beckham was joined in the pre-match presser by Galaxy coach Bruce Arena,
Donovan, and an obviously excited Azkals team led by Chieffy Caligdong, Phil and
James Younghusband, captain Aly Borromeo, coach Michael Weiss and team manager
Dan Palami, along with PFF president Nonong Araneta.
Highlight of the affair was the exchange of jerseys by the Azkals (in blue
shade) and Galaxy (white).
The bearded Beckham and his companions at the presidential table, Arena and
Donovan, also shared their views on playing for flag.
"Obviously, I'm very proud to play for my country and I'd love to be part of
the Great Britain team especially in the London Olympics next year," said
Beckham a former England skipper.
Arena, one of the most successful coaches in the US national team history,
advised the Phl Azkals to "work hard, be proud of what playing for the national
team and a lot of things can happen."
"We were once a small country in football. We chased a dream, we started to
qualify in the World Cup on a regular basis, and now we're a big country in the
sport. There's no reason why you can't do it here," he said.
US standout Donovan stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive
football league to sustain a deep pool of talents for the national team.
Chief News Editor: Sol
Jose Vanzi
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