-
Related
English football star David Beckham is relishing a return to New Zealand with the LA Galaxy for next month's friendly against the Oceania All Stars in Auckland.
The veteran midfielder said on his website that last year's visit to New Zealand - for a friendly between the Galaxy and Wellington Phoenix - was a career highlight.
The Oceania 11 will feature Beckham's former Manchester United teammate Mark Bosnich in goal and former Real Madrid star Christian Karembeu.
"We know next month's match is only a friendly, but it gives us a chance to put into practice the manager's (Bruce Arena) tactics and finish the year with a good result before everyone goes on their break," he said.
"This (game) gives us some time together working on things without the pressure of a match every week and it's good to spend some time together, with Bruce Arena also getting some time to put across his ideas.
"The training sessions have been really positive and great fun too. We work hard, but training has been really enjoyable."
Beckham was disappointed the match between the Galaxy and Queensland Roar which had been scheduled for Brisbane on December 11 had been postponed.
"Australia is an incredibly beautiful country and I really enjoyed my last visit, but unfortunately the date of the proposed match was set during the players' break with their families, which made it not possible for us to play.
"I look forward to going to Australia again soon."
