Becks may finish off career in Japan

David Beckham has been wooed by adoring Japanese fans into considering playing out the twilight years of his career in the country.

Following the incredible reception he has received from fans at the World Cup, Beckham revealed yesterday that he would consider combining his dream to open up a soccer school to coach youngsters when he finally finishes at the top level with being in Japan.

His enthusiasm for soccer schools is believed to stem from his own experience, as he was given his own break at a similar centre set up by Bobby Charlton in Spain.

The Manchester United midfielder, who stressed that he has no plans to leave Old Trafford after just signing a new contract, has been won over by the surprise iconic status granted him in the Far East.

‘‘I’ve been told not to go out at all, which is unfortunate as I like to experience these things,’’ he revealed.

‘‘But you never know, I might play over here at one point.

‘‘People have always asked me what I want to do after I’ve finished playing and soccer schools are something that have always interested me because I enjoyed them when I was young.

‘‘To do something over here would be absolutely amazing as my popularity is amazing over here. Could I combine that with playing? Yes, possibly, you never know at the end of my career.’’

That would see him following in the footsteps of another former England captain, Gary Lineker, while ex-Brazil skipper Dunga has also played in the J-League.

Beckham, 27, would be an incredible draw if he ever did come to play in Japan in several years’ time due to the Beatlesesque reception which he receives everywhere.

Sven-Goran Eriksson referred to the ‘‘Beckham fever’’ in the Far East and this has ensured England are supported by the majority of fans at each of their World Cup games.

Indeed, crowds of up to 5,000 fans, many of them young girls, crowded outside a shopping centre recently when it was specially opened to allow the England team to visit under strict security.

‘‘It’s been absolutely mad since we’ve been over here. The reception in Korea was amazing as well,’’ revealed Beckham.

‘‘It’s not exactly frightening, although at times it can seem like it as there are people pushing and it looks as though they’re crushing people.

‘‘I expected it a bit since I was here before with Manchester United and it was pretty manic, but this is something that I’ve never experienced before.

‘‘Popularity-wise, it’s been the biggest I’ve ever experienced.’’

He added: ‘‘It’s been great that the hosts have done so well in this competition, with Japan and Korea reaching the last 16.

‘‘It’s important that they’ve done that for the fans as it’s been such a special World Cup so far. They’re the people who have made it so special, as well as FIFA.’’