David Beckham, sidelined by injury since March, made his Major League Soccer season debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday when he entered the match against Columbus in the 70th minute.
Beckham came in for Juninho and received loud cheers, his entry into the match bringing some fans at the Galaxy’s Home Depot Center ground to their feet.
The 35-year-old former England captain had been sidelined since March 14, when he tore his left achilles tendon while playing on loan for AC Milan.
The injury kept Beckham, England’s most-capped outfield player, from playing in his fourth World Cup as he missed the 2010 finals in South Africa.
“Not playing for six months is tough,” Beckham said after training on Thursday. “It’s the first time it has happened to me.
“I’ve had injuries, but nothing that’s kept me out for so long. It did make me realize how much I love the game, and I’m not ready to finish.”
Doctors originally predicted Beckham wouldn’t be ready to return until October, and he’s delighted to be ahead of schedule.
“I’m ready,” Beckham said. “I’ve been working hard with the rehab, and I’m trying to get the strength back in my legs. ... I think I can play some part of the game (Saturday).
“Obviously, with not playing for six months, it has to be a careful few minutes at a time. If I can play 10, 15, 20 minutes, hopefully I can do that.”
Beckham helped the Galaxy reach the MLS Cup final last year, but hasn’t played for the team yet this season.
The Galaxy have faltered after a strong start but still lead the MLS Western Conference.
While Beckham is focused on the remainder of the MLS season, he hasn’t given up on the possibility of once again playing for England.
England manager Fabio Capello was criticised last month for saying Beckham no longer figured in England’s plans, and later seemed to indicate that the door might not be completely closed.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Fabio, and that has not changed,” Beckham said.
“He’s England manager, and he has to look to the future, look to some great, talented young players coming through.
“These players need to be given the chance, and they will be. But obviously the manager is aware that there needs to be some old heads in there, and some experience.
“If I’m part of that, then great, but like I said, my main objective right now is to get myself fit and playing again.”
While Beckham still feels the lure of playing for England, he seemed less enthusiastic about playing for a European club. He indicated he would probably pass on a loan to AC Milan or another European club and rest instead.
“I need that - my body needs that,” Beckham said. “I’ve been hitting it quite hard for the last couple of years, and this injury is because of that, so I think now it’s time maybe for me to look at myself and look at my fitness.”
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