The wait for David Beckham continues for North American soccer fans after he was ruled out of action against Toronto FC Sunday night due to his ongoing ankle rehabilitation.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was resigned to a seat on the bench. He sat there dressed in a designer suit.
L.A. Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop has the task of managing the game's most marketable icon. But for now, common sense is all Yallop is using to deal with the situation. Clearly Beckham won't play until he is fully fit, which might be seven to 10 days. Beckham has signed a five-year contract and there is no need to rush him into action despite all the disappointed fans.
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In an interview with CBC, a local television station, Beckham answered the questions on everybody's mind.
Beckham is idolized by kids in Europe, Asia, and now in North America. "That's the best part about being me. To have the following of so many kids around the world…It's an honor. I feel honored."
Beckham and his wife Victoria ("Posh Spice") have a charitable foundation in England. "Working with kids is one of the most important things in my life. We realize how privileged we are to be in the position we are in."
The difficulty he's going through with his ankle injury was also touched on. "I'm really frustrated, not being able to get on the pitch. I actually have to go away and take a shower or something."
Hopefully fans can understand what it's like on his end of the bargain. The anticipation all over North America builds with each absence and surely Beckham feels it.
Beckham reflected on his early days as a Manchester United fan. "My favorite player was from Man U, Bryan Robson. I wanted to emulate everything he did in his career." Robson wore the number 7 shirt for Manchester United, as Beckham later would. "Robbo", as he was known, was a superb midfielder for United in the 1980s.
Beckham was quick to point out what his move to L.A. is all about. "It's definitely about soccer, the sport. I'm not going into semi-retirement. I'm here to be part of something that could be potentially huge."
Beckham realizes that MLS is not as high-profile as La Liga or the English Premiership but his reputation is not the most important thing to him. It's very important to him to help the English national team. The challenge for him will be to elevate the game of his teammates to the level played in the top leagues in Europe.
Finally, Beckham summarized how he wants to be known after all is said and done. "I want people to remember me as a great soccer player."
It's of course easy to forget that amidst all this Beckham hype, Toronto FC and the L.A. Galaxy are fighting for playoff places.
Toronto dominated the first half, creating numerous scoring chances but felt hard done by with the scoreless draw final score.
And so the Beckham circus moves on to Washington, D.C. where the Galaxy will take on D.C. United Thursday night.
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