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LA Galaxy's David Beckham says Australia's A-League is as good as MLS
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan man is impressed by the division and recalled getting "battered" by Sydney FC 5-3 in 2007 ahead of friendly with Melbourne
6 Dec 2011 09:15:00
By Ben Somerford
Ist
LA Galaxy's David Beckham has said he believes the A-League is on par with the US's Major League Soccer ahead of his side's friendly with Australian club Melbourne Victory on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old former Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan star played in previous Galaxy encounters with A-League opposition Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.
Beckham said he had been impressed on both occasions, particularly by the Sky Blues who beat them 5-3 in 2007.
"That was a really tough game. We kind of got battered really. Every time we’ve played here we expect it to be the same," Beckham told reporters.
“The standard is similar to what it is in the US. The game’s growing and that’s what’s great to see. People around the world are talking about both leagues and that’s a sign of the growth of the game in both countries.”
Galaxy's next opponents Victory are in unconvincing form in the A-League this term with two wins, five draws and two losses from nine matches despite the glamour signing of Socceroo Harry Kewell.
Nonetheless, Beckham said he is expecting another tough assignment against Australian opposition.
“We’re expecting a tough game. Everytime we’ve come here we’ve had difficult games,” Beckham said.
He continued: “We know they [Victory] have players who can cause us many problems and we know obviously they had a disappointing loss on the weekend.
“Harry Kewell’s had a successful career and he’s home now so I’m sure he’s content and his family’s content but he’s a winner, he’s still playing at a high level.
“They’re a very strong team, especially playing in front of their own fans. And we know they have a very passionate fan base."
Meanwhile, on the topic of his own career with his contract at Galaxy expiring and speculation linking him with Paris Saint-Germain, Beckham insisted he remained undecided.
"I said I'd get this season and this tour out of the way and then have some family time and obviously make a big decision," Beckham said.
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The 36-year-old former Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan star played in previous Galaxy encounters with A-League opposition Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets.
Beckham said he had been impressed on both occasions, particularly by the Sky Blues who beat them 5-3 in 2007.
"That was a really tough game. We kind of got battered really. Every time we’ve played here we expect it to be the same," Beckham told reporters.
“The standard is similar to what it is in the US. The game’s growing and that’s what’s great to see. People around the world are talking about both leagues and that’s a sign of the growth of the game in both countries.”
Galaxy's next opponents Victory are in unconvincing form in the A-League this term with two wins, five draws and two losses from nine matches despite the glamour signing of Socceroo Harry Kewell.
Nonetheless, Beckham said he is expecting another tough assignment against Australian opposition.
“We’re expecting a tough game. Everytime we’ve come here we’ve had difficult games,” Beckham said.
He continued: “We know they [Victory] have players who can cause us many problems and we know obviously they had a disappointing loss on the weekend.
“Harry Kewell’s had a successful career and he’s home now so I’m sure he’s content and his family’s content but he’s a winner, he’s still playing at a high level.
“They’re a very strong team, especially playing in front of their own fans. And we know they have a very passionate fan base."
Meanwhile, on the topic of his own career with his contract at Galaxy expiring and speculation linking him with Paris Saint-Germain, Beckham insisted he remained undecided.
"I said I'd get this season and this tour out of the way and then have some family time and obviously make a big decision," Beckham said.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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