The Italian Job: Beckham’s Brouhaha

At Cooliris, we’re all about bringing you great content and great finds. Something that piqued my interest lately is the controversy surrounding David Beckham and his return to Major League Soccer.

 It’s tough to be a soccer fan in a country like the US. Americans have so many other sports to worry about that the beautiful game often takes a backseat. Still, many were very excited when Beckham made his switch over to MLS last year. How could Beckham, with kicks of the ball like the one in this video, possibly not bring more popularity to soccer?

Well, by attracting tremendous interest from European teams, that’s how. Italian powerhouse AC Milan, recognizing that Beckham still had what it takes to play in the ultra-competitive Italian league, persuaded Beckham’s team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, to loan him to Europe on the condition that he would come back to the States once Milan’s season was done. Sketchy? Perhaps. But everyone, including the Galaxy, agreed on the deal.

Much to LA’s chagrin, however, Beckham voiced interest in making his European move permanent after playing brilliantly in Italy. But in the end, he had to honor his contract and return to the US.  In his first game back this past Sunday, he was greeted by a chorus of boos that stayed with him throughout the game.

It’s tough to pass judgment on Becks’ situation. On the one hand, there are strong hints of disloyalty to the Galaxy. On the other hand, can you really blame the guy for wanting to play closer to his native England, and in a more competitive league? Difficult to say. But no matter which way you slice it, the notion of Beckham pulling soccer from out of the shadow of other American sports seems less and less likely.

Obviously it pains most soccer fans to see this experiment go down in flames. But that’s why we can take solace in watching the Beckham of old do his thing, back before any of this silly drama even existed! Have a look at this 3D Wall of some of Becks’ most magical strikes of the ball. Poetry in motion.

¦And let’s hope that none of those boo-birds show up to our Cooliris staff soccer game on Friday!