Beckham expects children to stay happy, focused while playing football

SHANGHAI -- English football legend David Beckham hoped that football-loving youngsters can stay happy and focused on the pitch while training hard.

Beckham made these remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua during a recent Football Campus Day activity, where he visited Shanghai QiBao High School to give a lesson to the school's football team.

"My advice is always to be dedicated, be focused, work hard, which is the most important thing because they are very good individuals," said Beckham. "But this is a team sport, and the team is the most important. The team is the No. 1 priority. But my advice would be to be happy, because if you're not happy playing this game, then maybe try something different. That's the most important. I want to see smiles on children's faces."

During his visit to China in 2013, Beckham took a photo with then 12-year-old Zhang Linyan and presented her with an autographed football. Nine years later, Zhang helped China clinch the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

Now Beckham and Zhang have reunited, recreating their previous photo with the same gestures. They both signed a football symbolizing children's dreams and handed it to the school's young players who compete in the National Youth School Football League.

"Now Zhang is an incredible talent with such a great story. So to see her after so many years and to see what she's achieved, I think, is very special. But I think the most special thing about Zhang is the fact that she's inspiring a whole new generation of young players here in China. I think it's always important for countries and kids to have role models," Beckham remarked.

Under his guidance, the youngsters learned free-kick and set-piece skills. Beckham explained to the players how to improve their goal-scoring techniques and even joined the free-kick wall with them.

"I think sometimes that's the encouragement that children really need. They need to know that someone believes in them. They need to know that they're supported by someone. They need to know that they can achieve their dreams," Beckham said.