ZURICH: David Beckham has confirmed he is keen to accept England manager Fabio Capello’s invitation to join his coaching staff at the World Cup.
Beckham has been ruled out of the tournament in South Africa after rupturing his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan in March, but Capello wants the 35-year-old midfielder to play his part on the sidelines instead.
Capello and his assistant Franco Baldini have given Beckham the chance to work as an intermediary between manager and players, as well as assisting on the training ground.
Beckham, speaking on Friday at the presentation of England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, admitted he is hopeful his rehabilitation from the injury will have progressed far enough to allow him to make the trip to South Africa.
"I’ve spoken to the manager and Franco Baldini and they have made it well aware that I have a role to play with the players and the team," Beckham said.
"We have not discussed specifics but I’m honored that a manager of Fabio’s status feels I can be important.
"I am hoping to travel with the team but obviously we’ll have to see how my therapy goes."
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is believed to have initially been concerned that his presence in the England camp could become a distraction.
But Capello and Baldini have assured Beckham that he would be a valuable part of their bid to win the World Cup.
Beckham is not expected to travel to England’s pre-World Cup training camp in Austria when the squad leaves on Monday, but he is set to be on the plane for South Africa on June 2.
