Eriksson 'opens the gate' for Beckham to join him at Nasr

Sven-Goran Eriksson says Al Nasr would “open the gate” for footballing icon David Beckham if he wants to play in the UAE.

But the Pro League club’s new technical director believes his former England captain could still perform on the European stage.

Beckham’s future has been the subject of much speculation since he left Los Angeles Galaxy to become a free agent. The 37-year-old has been linked with English clubs QPR and West Ham, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco and AC Milan.

But the Gulf has also been touted as a possible destination for Beckham with his profile as well as playing skills making it attractive for ambitious clubs in the UAE and Qatar.

Eriksson, who was England coach when the midfielder was captain, said: “I speak to him regularly, but I don’t know what he will do or where he will go.

“I read that he could be coming here to the UAE, or to Australia, China or back to Europe. If he wants to come here, I am sure the club will open the gate for him to come. Wherever he goes will be a huge thing for the whole country and their football league, and for that club also. He is the most famous footballer in the world and has a great deal of ability.

“I haven’t seen him play for a while, but my ex-assistant, Hans Backe, is the coach at New York Red Bulls and he told me that Beckham could absolutely still play in Europe. He thought he was still very, very good.”

Eriksson will be assisting Al Nasr in their transfer policy, as well as overseeing the club’s youth development, after agreeing an 18-month deal. The Swede will team up with coach Walter Zenga, who played under him at Sampdoria, and hopes they will be able to bring the Blue Wave their first league title success since 1986.

Al Nasr are currently fifth in the Pro League table and Eriksson added: “What I want is to help the club win trophies because it has been a long time since they’ve won anything.

“It is one of the oldest clubs in the country, one of the biggest.

“It has very powerful backing and owners, so of course they are hungry to win trophies.”

After Eriksson was unveiled last night, Ahmad Mir Hashim Khouri, vice chairman of the club’s board of directors, said: “Eriksson is one of the world’s best coaches and has a great deal of worldwide experience.

“I wish him all the success in his role as technical advisor and I am sure he will make a big contribution in helping future success for Al Nasr football club.”

Read more:

- Eriksson aims to transform Al Nasr into an Asian force

- Sven lands in Dubai: 'Notts County role' for Eriksson at Al Nasr

- Forget Paris or Milan, 'Brand Beckham should come to the UAE

 

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