David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal"

Becks and his LA Galaxy team-mates are gearing up for the World Football Challenge in the States, which also features Premier League champions Manchester United.

And the England international is looking forward to proving he can still cut it among the best players in the world.

Beckham, who starred for Madrid from 2003 to 2007, said: "I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid.

"To go from a club like Manchester United to Real Madrid, it really doesn't get much better than that in football.

"I've got many friends still there. To be facing Real Madrid for the first time since I left is emotional.

"You get attached to the club, you get attached to the people.

Cantona joins New York Cosmos as director of soccer

Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona has been appointed director of soccer at United States club New York Cosmos.

The club folded in 1985 but were relaunched in August by former Tottenham director Paul Kelmsey.
Cantona's new club don't yet have a team or a stadium yet but they are hopeful of playing in some tournaments and exhibitions before rejoining the MLS.

Cantona said: "It's a wonderful project. It's kind of a mix between football and art.