Welcome to SportsNation! On Friday, Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham stops by to chat about the upcoming 2011 MLS season. The Galaxy play in the first match of the season against Seattle on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Beckham is beginning his fifth season with L.A., having scored nine goals and 16 assists in the league. Prior to the MLS, Beckham played for two of the top teams in Europe in Manchester United and Real Madrid. He has been a member of England's national team since 1996.
Buzzmaster (2:48 PM)
We're going to have David Beckham here chatting at 3 p.m. ET!
Buzzmaster (3:10 PM)
Hang on folks. L.A. is hosting their media day today, so things are busy.
Tim [via mobile]
What are you doing to prepare yourself for Tuesday's match against Seattle? How do you feel about this season' s team?
David Beckham (3:17 PM)
I'm excited to be honest. It's one of those games that you look forward to. Seattle is a great franchise. It's one of the atmospheres that's closest to a European game. I'm excited. I'm ready for the season. I wanted to make sure my fitness was right, that's why I went to Tottenham. I've been working hard.
Brian (Philadelphia)
What country has better food, England or the U.S.?
David Beckham (3:17 PM)
There's definitely more variety in the U.S. I've always loved coming to the U.S. and eating traditional American food. But there's a lot I miss about London and England food.
Steve (LA)
How is the health? Will you be ready for teh start of the season?
David Beckham (3:18 PM)
Yeah, I would say I'm 100% right now. Last season was difficult with the injury. I've had certain points of the game where I had some difficulty with pain. But I've worked hard this season and gotten my body back to where it needs to be. I'm very close.
Chris (LA)
David, where did you come up with the art idea for your new tattoo? how painful was it to get that tattoo?
David Beckham (3:20 PM)
It was almost altogether a 12 hour session. The first 8 hours was one session and I went back a week later to get it touched up. It wasn't painful at all. I don't mind the pain, to be honest, with the tattoos. It was something that I had never had a tattoo done in the U.S. I knew about Mark and his work. Knew how good he was. He looked at my other tattoos and knew what I liked. The majority of my tattoos are family orientated or has a meaning. Three cherubs for my three sons. It has a religious feel. That's what I like.
Vinny Baker (Nottingham)
do you want to play in England again before you finish your career ?
David Beckham (3:21 PM)
Who knows. I had a great career in England for 12-13 years. I've always said that I never wanted to play for another English club, because Manchester United is such a great club. I'm getting older now and I don't have many years left. This is my last contract year, but who knows what will happen.
Brighid (Los Angeles)
How has playing in the MLS affected you as a player?
David Beckham (3:22 PM)
I think it has affected me in a good way. I've been able to experience playing in another country. The experience I've had in the game, I've tried to bring to the game. I've seen the growth of the game the last few years. Iv'e enjoyed that.
Reid (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Mr. Beckham, what were your first thoughts when you transitioned to the MLS?
David Beckham (3:23 PM)
I was excited. I always knew it was going to be a challenge. Soccer not being the No. 1 sport in this country, it's always going to be a challenge to raise the profile of it. I always said it won't happen over night, it will happen in 5-10 years. Over time it will get to be one of the better leagues. That's an exciting prospect. There is no reason that can't happen over time.
MartaMUFC (poland)
What was your relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson?
David Beckham (3:24 PM)
My relationship with him was always great. In any job, you have your moments with the manager or the owners of the team. I probably had two moments where it was probably highlighted in the press more than what was going on. He was a father figure to me, still is, he gave me my first chance to play for the club that I love.
Eric G. (Baltimore, MD)
At your age, how do you maintain the condition you are in?
David Beckham (3:25 PM)
I've been lucky throughout my career. I've always looked out for myself. Gotten my rest when I need to. I'm a determined person. I'm determined to look after myself. At 35 to be able to play at a high level, I consider myself lucky.
George (Montreal)
What do you hope your legacy will be as a player?
David Beckham (3:26 PM)
Obviously, I'm hoping that people remember me as a football player that's had success in not just one country but two countries. Winning 6 championships in Manchester, winning with Real, some success in L.A.
David Beckham (3:27 PM)
I just want to say thank you for the support. I've had so much support in this country both on and off the field. I've enjoyed playing for the Galaxy. It's been incredible. Thank you to the fans. Please continue to support.
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