New LA Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit has told BBC Sport he will
not stand in the way of David Beckham continuing his international
career. Beckham, 32, is back in England's squad for next week's
friendly in Austria and the Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia
after recovering from a knee injury. Gullit said: "If David
believes he has to play for the national team then I will encourage
him. "If the England coach thinks he needs him, then he has to
go."
Beckham was expected to be present at the media conference to
unveil Gullit as Galaxy's new boss at the Home Depot Center. The
England midfielder did meet his new coach in Gullit's first session
with his players on Friday, but then left without attending the
Dutchman's official unveiling. An LA Galaxy spokesman said: "David
does not want to speak today."
Earlier on Friday, England manager Steve McClaren recalled the
midfielder to his squad for next Friday's friendly in Vienna and
the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia on 21 November.
Gullit revealed he gave his blessing to Beckham, who has 97 caps,
to pursue his international career despite the physical strain of
travelling back and forth for England matches and the Galaxy's
post-season schedule.
"It is still an honour for any player to play for their country and
I can't take that away from him," said the 45-year-old Dutchman.
"In Europe it is normal for players to be on duty for their country
during the season, so I am used to it. "As long as David is fit and
wants to play then I will let him, but if he wants to stop then I
will help him with that too."
Beckham's schedule will see him play for the Galaxy in a friendly
against Minnesota Thunder in Minneapolis on Sunday. He will then
travel to Vienna for England's friendly on Friday, face Croatia on
21 November before travelling to Australia (27 November) and New
Zealand (30 November) for showpiece games with the Galaxy.
The former England captain is contracted to play these games for
the LA team and Gullit insists he will not treat the former England
captain differently despite his status and international
commitments. "I know David personally but my relationship with him
will not be more or less special," Gullit said. "When he is on the
pitch he must do the same as the other players. Although as a coach
I will use his experience and use him as a link to the rest of the
team."
With a long Major League Soccer post-season break ahead - the 2008
season will not start until April - Beckham had been linked with a
loan move back to the Premiership. However, Gullit was quick to
rule out that possibility, saying: "David wants to get his full
fitness back here. "That is what he is doing and I don't see any
reason why he would go elsewhere."
Gullit, a former Chelsea and Newcastle manager, will officially
take up his new role as Galaxy coach against Sydney FC on 27
November.
