by Peter Tobin

Created on: February 12, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

It always seems that those who are truly gifted are not appreciated until they're gone. Think of some of the great literary figures and some of the greatest artists; yet football is different. We idolise those who entertain us. Football is a game which captures the imagination of millions and todays superstars could easily be tomorrows token celebrity on a second rate "reality" TV show. There are many who have attained celebrity status and especially within the English game. Players like Dwight Yorke, Ashley Cole and Theo Wallcott all regularly appear in the English tabloids yet this is by no means a way to guage their football talent. David Beckham, however, has managed to be a worldwide brand, one of the most photographed people in the world and a world-class footballer.

It seems a contentious thing to say that Beckham is world-class. Having been the scapegoat for the English public for their failure in the '98 World Cup, he became a figure of hatred at football grounds around England. Proving how fickle football fans can be it wasn't long before he was welcomed back with open arms afer his last minute gaol against Greece in England's must-win qualifier. Also, being a Manchester United Legend, he will always be a disliked for some yet this can never detract from his status as a footballer.

Even though he has been the subject of intense media attention and often unfair criticism, Beckham has always acted with the utmost professionalism. This was highlighted by his conduct following the events at Real Madrid following his deal with LA Galaxy. Having been told he would never play for the club again he maintained his desire to see out his contract whether he would play or not, and training every day. With his season starting to go down the pan, Real coach Capello decided to call him back and he scored a vital goal in the 2-1 win against Real Sociedad last Saturday.

This is a player whose professionalism can never be questioned and whose record for the two biggest clubs in the world back his status of being a world-class player. The fact that he is deciding to try another challenge is applaudable. He could stay at Madrid and pick up a wage but he is trying to do something different. Attempting to raise the profile of the game in the US is indeed a challenge but there is nobody better to do it than David Beckham. Because he is a public figure he is easily criticised, but it should never detract from the fact that, unlike other players we currently hail as 'superstars', in years to come we will still look back and remember him as one of the greatest players of all time.

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