Beckham wants to play for England again

MANILA, Philippines—David Beckham said he has a “big decision to make” after his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy expires and reiterated his desire to play for the British team in the London Olympics next year.

“I’m very proud of the time that I’ve spent with the Galaxy and it might continue,” said the former England captain, whose contract expires at the end of the tour. “I think at the end of the day I have a big decision to make but I obviously haven’t made one yet.”

Beckham said he “would love to be part of the GB team” in the Olympics next year, especially since the games will be played in a part of London where he grew up.

“Hopefully I’ll be going back to London next summer,” he said.

The Galaxy won 1-0 against Indonesia on Wednesday and heads to Australia after the game with the Philippine national team on Saturday night.

Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena encouraged Filipino football players to “work hard” and “chase the dream” of competing internationally.

The Philippine team is improving, reaching the semifinals this year at the Asean Football Federation Cup. Most of the players are half-Filipinos from European leagues who want to play for the country.

Before Saturday night’s game, Beckham and the Galaxy will hold a football clinic with children from poor communities in Manila.

“We always try to play diplomatic football … but we want to win. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friendly match, we want to win the game,” Beckham said.