Beckham in Afghanistan Click on thumbnail to view
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David Beckham on Afghanistan:

We know you visited Great Britain troops in Afghanistan before World Cup, how did they inspire you?

One of best things ever done in my career/life, it was really life changing to visit Afghanistan where so many people giving their lives to change things.

Not been able to do things like this before as I've been training and playing and I've wanted to do this for years but not been able to so to have chance to live and eat with them (food was great, sausages, angel delight, curries) but to see the people doing so much for our country over there was exceptional.

What struck you about how hard life was?

You get to see stuff on TV, the bad parts when someone dies, this is what you hear but when you're there you see the hard work and what they do day in day out, it was 54 degrees and I was in a vest, they're in full body armour.

Their families must be so proud, my family are proud of me, what must heir families feel, they must be so proud.

You're used to being away from home?

Yes, 6 months at a time, I travelled with troops on a military aircraft, before you land you have to put on armour, lights go off, you circle, to see 140 troops sat there, majority are kids, 19/20 years old going over to fight for your country.

Your boys must have been very proud of your trip?

Yes, Brooklyn asked if he could come but Victoria was worried. I showed the boys the pictures and they were more interested in the dogs. The dogs go in and find the bombs, the boys saw the video of the dogs jumping on me while I was wearing a fat suit. They loved that.

Los Angeles:

What was the thing you enjoyed the most here in LA, you're a big Lakers fan, do you enjoy going to the game?

There are so many things to enjoy about living in LA, would have to go on for a few more hours to talk about it. The Lakers is a bonus, I'm a big basketball fan and to go and see them day in and day out is great.

I really believe soccer will grow and the league has taken off. There are a few exceptional franchises that have just come into the league so things will be more and more exciting each year but it will take time. It will happen, American people are so into it.

Can you see yourself staying there?

Yes, we're so happy there, my eldest son needs to be in school and settled, they all do. We'll be there for a long time.

What do you miss the most?

Pie and mash! I grew up in the East of London so I miss pie and mash, English pubs and family. But I love the weather in LA, taking the boys to school in shorts and t-shirt.