Becks says German media attack on family ‘sad’

DAVID BECKHAM insists the German slurs against his family will not distract him from the World Cup.

Beckham was furious with an article in a German newspaper which aimed insults at his mum Sandra, sister Joanne, wife Victoria and his children.

The England skipper said it “sad” and “unacceptable” to target members of his family, who are in Germany for the games.

Beckham said: “I’ve come to terms with people criticising me as a footballer at times but when it comes to my family that’s one thing I won’t accept and never will.

“One person has found it funny to criticise my mum, my sister and my children.

“I find it sad that someone drops to that level but it is just one sad person sat in a room thinking of something they can do to put me off the next game.

“I am not going to let that happen.”

England and Germany could meet in the first knock-out round of the World Cup, depending on where they both finish in their groups.

Beckham, 31, said: “I have always had a great relationship with German people and German fans.

“It’s sad what one person has written but I am not going to let it put me off the biggest competition in the world.”

Beckham’s public lifestyle has often had repercussions on his family.

The England captain said: “For the last 10 years, when something has happened to me on a football pitch, it is my family that have been affected.

“In 1998, my parents had vans and photographers outside their house for three weeks after that competition.

“I can put up with it but it is hard for them.”

Sven-Goran Eriksson invited the families of the players to stay in Germany during the World Cup.

They are based in Baden-Baden, just a few miles away from the team hotel.

England’s first-team players were able to spend time with their partners and children this week because they were given two days off after beating Paraguay.

It provoked criticism from former Celtic boss Martin O’Neill, who said they should be focused on their football.

But Beckham said: “That’s the way Sven is and it’s a nice relaxed atmosphere and we are fine with it.

“If we beat Trinidad and Tobago and play well, I’m sure we will be doing it again two days after the game.

“The families are 20 minutes away and you don’t have to go and see them. Some players like to go.

“I had Victoria and the kids up at the hotel instead of going to Baden-Baden and other players did that as well.”

England fly to Nuremberg tomorrow to prepare for Thursday’s game against Trinidad and Tobago.

A win will secure a place in the knock-out stages but Sven-Goran Eriksson’s team want to produce a stylish performance after their scrappy win against Paraguay on Saturday.

Beckham said: “We do want to perform and excite people and prove we can play at this level and perform like Brazil, Argentina, Holland and Italy.