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Football

Beckham rules out early retirement


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England skipper Beckham has set his sights on a century of caps

MADRID, Spain -- England captain David Beckham has denied reports he plans to quit international soccer after the 2006 World Cup and says he wants to win a century of caps.

"I was asked if the next World Cup was going to be my last and I said possibly it could be, but I hope it isn't," Beckham told a news conference in Madrid before Wednesday's friendly against Spain.

"I want to carry on playing for England as long as I can and if that means playing after the World Cup then great."

He added: "I don't want to retire from playing for my country because it's one of the best honors I've ever been given in football.

"I set a target for myself when I got into the team and when I was given the captaincy and that was to reach the records of Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore, both of which were idols of me and my dad."

Former Manchester United forward Bobby Charlton won 106 caps and England captain Bobby Moore won 108, to become the two outfield players to make the most appearances for the national side.

The 29-year-old Beckham has won 76 caps while the current England record is held by goalkeeper Peter Shilton at 125.

British newspapers on Sunday suggested Real Madrid midfielder Beckham was going to retire from the national side in 18 months time after Germany.

"I get a few more aches and pains after games these days, but that's the only thing and as long as the legs can stand it I will carry on.

"But the most important thing for me is to carry on playing for England, to reach the World Cup and to win the World Cup."

Beckham said that he had put the recent controversy over a booking in the World Cup qualifier against Wales behind him and was intent on ensuring his reputation as a player was not sullied any further.

"I made my public apology, I made my apology to the FA, I apologised to FIFA and got a nice letter back from Sepp Blatter.

"He just said: 'you've been an ambassador for the sport for so many years and you've always conducted yourself in the right way so good luck in the future.'

Beckham will lead England out against Spain at Real's Bernabeu stadium on Wednesday.

Spain coach Luis Aragones has called up Athletic Bilbao midfielder Pablo Orbaiz and Real Betis center-back Juanito into his squad for the clash.

Orbaiz, who has made just one previous appearance for Spain, has been drafted in to replace Real Madrid's Ivan Helguera, who dropped out of the squad after aggravating a knee injury during his side's 6-1 win over Albacete on Sunday.

Juanito will cover Barcelona defender Carles Puyol, who also withdrew from the squad after being examined by Spain medical staff on Monday.

Puyol twisted his left knee in his side's 2-1 defeat at Real Betis on Sunday.

Helguera and Puyol are both doubtful for this Saturday's Primera Liga showdown between Barcelona and Real Madrid.


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