VOA常速英语: David Beckham arrives in Washington

Fans in Washington are hoping to see the Major League Soccer debut of English star David Beckham as his Los Angeles Galaxy takes on host DC United Thursday night (7pm ET kickoff) at Washington's RFK Stadium. VOA Sports Editor Parke Brewer was at Beckham's pre-game news conference at the stadium on Wednesday and has this report.

Other than what could be described as a token appearance of 16 minutes on July 21 in a friendly match at the Galaxy's home field against English club Chelsea, David Beckham, 32, has been kept on the sidelines since joining his new team in the United States.

The 32-year-old midfielder has not been fully fit since injuring his left ankle June 6 while playing for England in a European Championship qualifier. He aggravated it June 17 in his final game for Spanish club Real Madrid.

Beckham says this is his first-ever visit to Washington and he is anxious to see game action.

"I think it's always frustrating when you're a sportsman and you can't do what you love doing," he said. "And it's very frustrating because it's an injury that I've had now for almost eight weeks. And it's getting better. It's improving every day. A lot of people and myself want it to be a bit quicker."

Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy's game against DC United is already a sellout. About 45,000 fans will be on hand hoping to see David Beckham's Major League Soccer debut.

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