Bale: Beckham´s Olympic absence a shame
23 July 2012 10:24
Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale has revealed his disappointment David Beckham is not in Great Britain's squad for the London Olympics.
Los Angeles Galaxy player Beckham was omitted from the squad by manager Stuart Pearce, with the three over-age slots going to Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards.
"I was very surprised," Bale told reporters on Sunday.
"I think he's done a lot to get the Olympics to London. But after that he's a great player, he's been playing well for LA Galaxy, and I think pretty much the whole nation's a bit disappointed he wasn't in the team."
Bale and his Tottenham team-mates are in Los Angeles preparing for a friendly with the Galaxy at the Home Depot Center.
The Welshman himself was expected to represent Team GB at the Olympics but a back injury means, he will miss the tournament.
However, while he will not be participating as an athlete, Bale is still looking forward to attending the London Games as a spectator.
"It'll be an amazing experience to have it in our home city, and hopefully I'll be able to go and watch one or two events and it'll be very exciting," Bale said.
Tottenham move on to Baltimore to take on Liverpool on July 28, before concluding their US tour with a match against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on July 31.
