Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham was not chosen to play for Team Great Britain in the 2012 London Olympics. However, according to Beckham, he will have a part in the opening ceremony of the Olympics on July 27.
Beckham said an interview, "It is some kind of role in the opening ceremony which I am honored to be involved in because obviously I was involved in the start process with this seven years ago. And for Seb (Sebastian Coe) to have kept me involved, I'm very proud of that." Beckham declined to say more about his role. Beckham previously stated that he wanted an Olympian and not himself to light the Olympic torch during the ceremony.
While Galaxy fans probably expected that the former England captain would make Team GB, it should have been anticipated that he was going to miss MLS matches whether he made the team or not. Beckham did not specify how many matches he would miss but he did say he was going to be traveling back and forth trying to see some Olympic events. He was instrumental in helping his hometown of London secure the bid to host the Olympics.
Beckham had gotten over a slow start by the time he was not selected for the British Olympic team. Since the snub, the midfielder has been outstanding with four goals and four assists in four matches. He is also on pace to shatter his best statistical season in MLS (2 goals, 15 assists in 2011) as he has six goals and nine assists in 2012. Six goals is already an MLS career-high for Beckham. The 15 assists in 2011 is Beckham's career-high in single-season assists.
No official word has been given on whether or not Beckham will play in the Galaxy's July 28 match against FC Dallas. However, during the Galaxy's friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on July 24, the L.A. sideline reporter seemed to suggest that Beckham will be out due to his participation in the opening ceremony. As Beckham is also playing in the MLS All-Star Game on July 25, I wouldn't expect him to play for our side against Dallas.
More from Patrick Johnston:
Galaxy draw with Tottenham, 1-1
David Beckham, Landon Donovan to miss Galaxy-Tottenham match, play MLS All-Star Game
Designated Players lead Galaxy past Chivas USA, 3-1Sources:
"Beckham says he has role in London opening ceremony", SI.com
Stats from MLS Soccer.com
