Utd midfielder: Becks exclusion a “shame”

Scholes sorry for former United teammate

By Zain Alvi | 11th July 2012

Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes has expressed his surprise at the exclusion of David Beckham from the Team GB squad for the London Olympics but believes that the team remains strong nonetheless.

Scholes’ club teammate Ryan Giggs was chosen as one of the team’s three over-age players by manager Stuart Pearce and the 38-year old recently embraced the captain’s responsibilities as well.

While Scholes is delighted for Giggs and respects Pearce’s overall selection, he feels that Beckham deserved better after investing so much time and effort as London’s ambassador for the Olympics.

“It’s a shame about Becks. It’s surprising as well, after everything David did to help London get the Olympics. That’s Stuart Pearce’s decision, but I feel sorry for David as I’m sure he’d have loved to have played in it,” the 37-year old Scholes was quoted at United’s official website.

Moving on to Giggs and other players in the squad, the midfielder added: “From speaking to Ryan, I can tell he’s looking forward to it. I hope they do well. I don’t see any reason why they won’t do as they’ve got a very good squad.

“Obviously there are other squads in it who want to win the gold medal but I’m sure Ryan will lead the team well and hopefully they’ll go a long way in the tournament.

“Ryan’s been unfortunate as Wales didn’t manage to qualify [for a World Cup or European Championship] whilst he was playing for them. So it’s a good chance for him to play in a big tournament. I just hope they can do well and go all the way and win it.”

While Giggs is committed to the Olympics in the coming weeks, Scholes and his United teammates will shortly begin their pre-season preparations in China.