David Beckham is no longer considered one of the best footballers on the planet, but he remains the sport's most famous exponent.
At 35, many of his peers are calling time on a game that has served them so well, yet regardless of his celebrity or financial riches, Beckham's desire to play football remains undiminished. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder spent the week training close to where he grew up with Tottenham Hotspur, hoping for a loan move from his current club Los Angeles Galaxy.
The switch now appears unlikely as Galaxy want him back for pre-season training in February, while Tottenham want him until March. Harry Redknapp, the Spurs manager, does not think it will be worth the effort for what will amount to three or four games, but the initial attraction to the north London club goes beyond a guaranteed upturn in merchandise sales.
Technically, Beckham still boasts a range of passing and a vision unmatched by any other English player. While a decline in speed afflicts many, Beckham's game has never been about pace and he still delivers crosses to trouble the meanest defences.
His ability can still change matches and the modern penchant for a five-man midfield suits his game. Sir Alex Ferguson considered him "a little too old" to return to Old Trafford, but Redknapp was prepared to take a chance. A final swansong in the Premier League is not to be for Beckham. And how that will irritate the football obsessive who never wants to stop.
sports@thenational.ae
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
The biog
Fatima Al Darmaki is an Emirati widow with three children
She has received 46 certificates of appreciation and excellence throughout her career
She won the 'ideal mother' category at the Minister of Interior Awards for Excellence
Her favourite food is Harees, a slow-cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled wheat berries mixed with chicken
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If you go
Flight connections to Ulaanbaatar are available through a variety of hubs, including Seoul and Beijing, with airlines including Mongolian Airlines and Korean Air. While some nationalities, such as Americans, don’t need a tourist visa for Mongolia, others, including UAE citizens, can obtain a visa on arrival, while others including UK citizens, need to obtain a visa in advance. Contact the Mongolian Embassy in the UAE for more information.
Nomadic Road offers expedition-style trips to Mongolia in January and August, and other destinations during most other months. Its nine-day August 2020 Mongolia trip will cost from $5,250 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, two nights’ hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar, vehicle rental, fuel, third party vehicle liability insurance, the services of a guide and support team, accommodation, food and entrance fees; nomadicroad.com
A fully guided three-day, two-night itinerary at Three Camel Lodge costs from $2,420 per person based on two sharing, including airport transfers, accommodation, meals and excursions including the Yol Valley and Flaming Cliffs. A return internal flight from Ulaanbaatar to Dalanzadgad costs $300 per person and the flight takes 90 minutes each way; threecamellodge.com
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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