In praise of David Beckham
June 20 - 2007
I was ready to sit down and bang out a piece that both poked fun at Victoria-TomKat and praised Becks for his handling of the Real title and accompanying MLS backlash. Thankfully (for you and me), Simon Hattenstone had the same notion. Plus he’s a real journalist, so rather than constructing a leaning tower of hyperbole, uninformed opinion, and dick jokes, he’s done what is known in the trade as an “article.” Here’s a taste:
The photo is a captured moment, but at the same time it is brilliantly stage-managed. So much is fake or contrived, from the dazzling array of blond highlights to Posh’s boobs, rising like perfectly formed silicone half-moons out of a tight black dress…
Amid all the showmanship, one thing alone stood out as genuine: Beckham himself. Nobody could have questioned his dismay when he was substituted, his delight when Real won the game without him and his euphoria at finally winning La Liga. His smile, his kissing the turf, his running round the ground wrapped in the flag of St George, giddy as a schoolboy, were Becks to a T.
Hattenstone goes on to say what even the biggest cynics must now believe: Becks is as professional and genuine as any modern athlete in recent memory. Plus we get to find out who Helen Mirren would rather bone, “Becks or Thierry Henry?” That’s access Soccernista just can’t provide.Â
Who’s the drag queen in the row in front of those half-moons?
Comment by Nordy — June 21, 2007 @ 9:47 pm
Nordy, I think it’s Beckham’s sister, but I’m not sure. In other order of things:
To Don Ramon Calderon Ramos and to whom it many concern:
1- The Real Madrid Supporters who are regular contributors to the website “Fans del Real Madrid†(www.fansdelmadrid.blogspot.com) and many other web sites wish to thank Fabio Capello the impressive results achieved with Real Madrid. He has turned around a decline which has lasted years and has excelled in his workrate, untiring faith in the team and search for victory. We wish to express the gratitude and respect of many fans to Fabio Capello.
2- We are disgusted at the campaign formed against Mr Capello since his arrival in Spain. It has been unjust and mainly based on personal reasons. Even when footballing reasons have been argumented other teams practising the same footballing concepts (like Valencia) have been painted with a totally diferent brush in the media.
3- We reject the idea that football should have an ideology. Football is a diverse sport and can be played in many different ways. We don’t accept the dubious criteria used to describe different styles of playing the game.
4- Furthermore we also reject the idea that Real Madrid has been playing poorly or the current style is alien to the essence and values of the club, the current display of discipline and team work are examples of areas where we have excelled. In the league not only have we beaten all of our closest rivals but have achieved the all time record of points away from home.
5- We wish to ask Don Ramon Calderon, president of Real Madrid, to end this period of uncertainty and the distain the architect of our footballing resurrection has been submitted to. We wish to remind Sr. Calderon that in his election manifesto he promised to abide by the strategy of the technical director. The club needs a long term and well structured strategy. This isn’t achieved by the constant change of coaches or changes because of a whim.
6- We reject the excessive influence given to a certain sector of fans which are not necessarily either a majority or correct in their views. We respect the senior members and ex players but we stress that the club is not owned only by them. The current success of the team is not a miracle or due to some sort of spiritual healing session with deceased players. The Internet has shown us a concept of a Real Madrid fan which many wish to forget. The Real Madrid Fan base is international, enthusiastic and young.
7- We also reject the excessive influence of the media on the day to day running of the club. We strive for an independent club which is able to guide itself, staying away from meaningless controversy and external self interest. We ask the club to actively defend itself from the constant attacks and negative media campaigns the club is subjected to.
We ask Don Ramon Calderon to reflect on the above points and avoid making a historical error. We also ask all Real Madrid Fans and those identified with the team to sign this petition. Our objective is to give strength to this message which is of vital importance to the future of our club.
You can sign this petition at
http://www.gopetition.com/online/12876.html
Hala Madrid!
Comment by Fernando — June 22, 2007 @ 1:24 am