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Beleaguered Maguire says call from Beckham was ‘classy’ – ARN News Centre
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AFP
Harry Maguire said a surprise call from former footballer David Beckham three weeks ago was “classy” and “touching,” with Beckham offering kind words of commiseration for the beleaguered England and Manchester United defender.
The 30-year-old Maguire has been the target of brutal abuse from angry fans, an experience Beckham knows all too well after his infamous red card during the 1998 World Cup made him perhaps the most hated man in England – the nadir of his mostly illustrious career and a main storyline of his candid Netflix documentary Beckham.
Beckham reached out after England’s 3-1 win over Scotland on September 12, when the toxic jeering by Scottish fans had both Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate and Maguire’s mother Zoe lashing out in anger.
“(Beckham’s call) meant everything,” Maguire told reporters on Tuesday after England’s training at St. George’s Park. “I’ve spoken throughout my career about David Beckham being someone I looked up to and watched when I was a young boy. He was a big role model when I was growing up.
“It shows how classy he is to reach out to me. It was something I really appreciate. It was touching really.”
Maguire, who has 59 caps for England, scored an own goal in the Scotland game in an otherwise solid game and is on Southgate’s squad for Friday’s friendly against Australia and Tuesday’s European Championship qualifier versus Italy at London’s Wembley Stadium.
In the four-part Beckham documentary, the former Man United cornerstone and wife Victoria detail the abuse suffered after his World Cup blunder. They received threats to kidnap infant son Brooklyn. A Becks effigy was hung in a pub and rocks hurled at United’s bus. Beckham, now 48, said he fell into a deep depression.
Maguire watched the documentary and said he was taken aback by the level of abuse Beckham suffered. While the 30-year-old was hesitant to divulge much of their conversation, he said “the main thing he did is he reminded me of the career I’ve had to date and the big moments I’ve had in my career.
“I think when you’re going through tough moments you’ve got to go through past experiences and past memories and where you’ve gone in your career and what you’ve been through.
“Every career is so up and down, especially when you reach what I’ve reached, in terms of being the captain of the biggest club in the world for three-and-a-half years. He’s been in that position and knows what it’s like.”
The much-maligned defender lost his place in United’s starting 11 last season, but he set up Scott McTominay’s winner in their thrilling last-gasp win over Brentford last weekend, a performance that should help silence his critics.
Maguire was linked to West Ham in the transfer window but the move never materialised.
“Regular game time is really important to me. It has been throughout all of my career. The actual opportunity to go to West Ham, it wasn’t agreed really between both clubs and myself … we didn’t get far enough down the line with it.
“My full focus is still on Manchester United, I want to fight for my place, but of course, game time is really important to me.”
England top Group C of Euro qualifying with 13 points in five games. Italy, Ukraine and North Macedonia have seven points apiece.
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Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.
Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, were found by rescuers on July 18 after setting out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.
The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.
According to a report, Chelmsford area coroner Michelle Brown said their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.
His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.
The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Tributes after desert tragedy
Tributes poured in after the deaths.
Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.
Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.
Chelsea connection
Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.
The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.
After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.
He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.
(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)
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