Beckham should have been picked for Team GB, says Redknapp

Jul 25, 2012 8:40:00 PM

The ex-Tottenham boss has spoken of his admiration for the former England captain, who was controversially left out the Team GB football squad by boss Stuart Pearce

Harry Redknapp has revealed he would have liked to have seen David Beckham compete for Team GB at the Olympic Games.

The former Tottenham boss spoke of his admiration for the former England captain, whose omission from the Great Britain football squad was deemed a surprise by many.

However, Redknapp, who was removed from his managerial position at White Hart Lane last month, stopped short of criticising GB manager Stuart Pearce for refusing to select the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.

Sky Sports Fantasy Football ambassador Harry Redknapp commented: "He [Pearce] has obviously picked the right team for him. We’ve all got opinions on whether Beckham should have been picked - I’m his biggest fan. I think he is a great role model, a fantastic player and a really nice guy.

"You couldn’t meet a more down to earth fella than David. He came to train with us while I was at Tottenham. I’d have liked to have seen him go to the Olympics, but Pearce decided he wasn’t good enough.

Despite his thoughts on the selection process, Redknapp was quick to give side his full backing ahead of the football tournament, which begins when GB face Senegal at Old Trafford on Thursday.

He added: "Team GB’s success will depend on how strong the other teams are. Are they having a go of it? Are they picking their best teams? Are they taking it seriously? I hope we do well, I wish Stuart Pearce luck. You know Pearcey, he played for me, he’s a great lad and was a fantastic player. I hope he wins it."

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