Skip to main content
BBC SPORT / EUROPE
Graphics Version | BBC News Home
Sport Homepage | Football | World Cup 2010 | Formula 1 | Olympics | Vancouver 2010 | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Athletics | Cycling | Motorbikes | Boxing | Snooker | Horse Racing | Disability Sport | Other sport... | Sports Personality | TV/Radio Schedule | Sport Academy | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Football Contents:  World Cup 2010 | My Club | Gossip | Premier League | Championship | League One | League Two | Non League | FA Cup | League Cup | Scottish Premier | Scottish League | Scottish Cups | Welsh | Irish | Europe | African Women | Football Focus | Match of the Day | Final Score | World Football | Skills | Laws & Equipment | Get Involved | Your Game

Friday, 28 December 2007, 21:32 GMT

Wenger hoping for Beckham effect

David Beckham in action in Wellington Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes David Beckham will have a positive influence on his young players when he comes to train with them in January.

The former England captain will keep fit during LA Galaxy's close season at Arsenal's London Colney complex, close to his Hertfordshire home.

"He will come in January to practise with us, occasionally with the first team or the reserves," said Wenger.

"He can always give good advice, the youngsters will look up to him."

Beckham's last game for the Galaxy was a friendly against the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand at the start of December.

With no competitive games before Fabio Capello's first game in charge of England against Switzerland on 6 February, Beckham is hoping Arsenal's young tyros will help to maintain his fitness levels.

606: DEBATE
Your thoughts on Beckham's Arsenal 'move'

The midfielder needs one more international appearance to reach a landmark 100 caps.

And Wenger paid tribute to Beckham's dedication and attitude which has helped him become one of England's most celebrated footballers.

"I admire how strong Beckham has been mentally through his career because he went through some tough times," said Wenger.

"I respect the fact that he has always loved football and he has always shown respect for his managers even when he was dropped. He didn't come out in a silly way, a spoilt way.

"Also, he has always delivered when it was expected of him, he has shown toughness.

But the Frenchman dismissed suggestions that Beckham could feature for Arsenal in the new year.

"He comes (only) to keep fit and work hard," added Wenger.




E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:

Beckham down under (27 Nov 07 |  Football )
Ipswich play down Beckham rumour (23 Oct 07 |  Ipswich Town )
Beckham misses out on play-offs (22 Oct 07 |  Football )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
LA Galaxy
Arsenal
David Beckham
Football on the BBC
Your say - 606
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC SPORT: 

Sport Homepage | Football | World Cup 2010 | Formula 1 | Olympics | Vancouver 2010 | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Athletics | Cycling | Motorbikes | Boxing | Snooker | Horse Racing | Disability Sport | Other sport... | Sports Personality | TV/Radio Schedule | Sport Academy | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Football Contents:  World Cup 2010 | My Club | Gossip | Premier League | Championship | League One | League Two | Non League | FA Cup | League Cup | Scottish Premier | Scottish League | Scottish Cups | Welsh | Irish | Europe | African Women | Football Focus | Match of the Day | Final Score | World Football | Skills | Laws & Equipment | Get Involved | Your Game

^ Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | Feedback | Help | ©