Beckham scores with book signing

Last updated at 17:09 05 October 2004


England soccer ace David Beckham has spoken out about the pressures of fame and how he has longed for the anonymity to enjoy his role as father and husband, it emerged today.

The England captain and midfielder praised former manager Sir Alex Ferguson's skill in supporting young players such as Wayne Rooney.

Beckham, who flew into Britain in advance of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Wales on Saturday, was speaking in an interview with London's Evening Standard newspaper.

Asked about the England squad, he picked out several of the players for praise but said the loss of Steven Gerrard, due to a foot injury, would be "a blow".

He said: "Sometimes you sit back and think I would love to be able to take my children over the park and play with them without the worry of anyone taking pictures or just watching.

"While I am with my family, I do like my private time. It would be great to just go out but we can't do that.

"We don't like having the security but unfortunately it is necessary for the children and for Victoria.

"But don't get me wrong, I would never complain about my life or what football has given me."

When questioned about Wayne Rooney's move to his former club, Manchester United, he said: "Wayne is a great player and at a young age he could not have signed for a better club and have a better manager to look after him."

Asked for his feelings on the current England squad, he said: "We have four class centre backs in John Terry, Ledley King, Sol Campbell and Rio Ferdinand," he said.

"And up front we have pace and strength with Jermain Defoe, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

"It is a blow to be without Steven Gerrard, but we also have strength in midfield. Shaun Wright-Phillips the way he has played for Manchester City and the way he performed on his debut for England, is special."

Beckham returned to Manchester today for a booksigning event to promote the paperback edition of his autobiography David Beckham: My Side.

Dressed in casual faded blue jeans with a green striped top, he posed for photographers before signing copies for eager fans.

The new paperback version includes three new chapters, one of which discuss the year in Spain in which he was accused of cheating on wife Victoria with former PA Rebecca Loos.

The soccer ace, who transferred to Real Madrid last summer in a £25 million deal, said he was pleased to be back in the city where he launched his football career.