News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

Home  » Sports » 'Beckham will be judged on ability'

'Beckham will be judged on ability'

July 14, 2003 20:33 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
England captain David Beckham will be judged on his footballing ability not his marketing image at Real Madrid, Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos said.

"Real Madrid is not just about photos and advertising, we are a football team and we know that we have to win games and earn titles. I'm sure Beckham is just going to concentrate on the football," Carlos told the Spanish sports daily Marca.

"Beckham is a great player and he is going to strengthen our team.

"What I want to happen is that in the first game he plays he is the best, so that everyone gets to see that he is an excellent footballer.

"That way all the comments about him being a mere publicity machine will end."

Beckham, who joined Real from Manchester United last month, is viewed by many commentators in Spain as surplus to requirements at Real given the club's surfeit of quality midfielders.

The signing of the England captain is, however, seen as a key part of the club's strategy to strengthen its image, particularly in the all-important Asian market.

But Roberto Carlos said he believed once the season got underway the former Manchester United player would be judged solely on the strength of his footballing talents.

"At the moment everyone is talking about how good-looking and how nice he is, but when he starts to play all that will change," he said.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

India In Australia 2024-2025