Harry Maguire revealed that David Beckham contacted him after he experienced verbal abuse from Scotland supporters during England's 3-1 victory at Hampden Park last month. The defender faced jeers from the Scottish fans during the friendly match, and his unfortunate own goal added to the challenges he has faced in recent seasons, making him a prime target for critics.
Afterward, Gareth Southgate, the manager of England, expressed his intense anger regarding the constant attack on Maguire's reputation, describing the treatment he endured as "an absolute joke."
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Maguire was jeered by Scotland fans during England's 3-1 win at Hampden Park last month
In a press conference before England's October internationals against Australia and Italy, Maguire mentioned that he had a conversation with David three weeks ago following the Scotland game. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for David reaching out to him, stating that it meant a lot to him.
I have admired David Beckham since I was a young boy, and I saw him as a great role model. It is truly impressive that he reached out to me, which reflects his character. Maguire discussed Netflix's newly released documentary series, which provides an in-depth account of Beckham's life and career. The documentary pays special attention to the tremendous amount of criticism he faced following his red card against Argentina during the 1998 World Cup.
"He has personally experienced that position, so he understands the challenges," he added. "When I watched the documentary, I was astonished by the immense adversity he faced. Gary Neville highlights his unwavering strength, and David shares insights into how he coped with it.
"It resonated with me, as it reminded me of my own career and the significant milestones I have achieved. It was truly moving.
In times of difficulty, it is essential to reflect upon past experiences and memories, considering the accomplishments and challenges faced throughout your career. Following the Scotland match, Maguire addressed the public and asserted his ability to cope with the attention. Additionally, We News reported last month that the center-back, who avoids social media and newspapers, remains confident in his ability to ignore external distractions.
He restated this fact on Tuesday, emphasizing that his primary concern lies with the impact that the criticism has on his loved ones.
"After the game, I promptly dealt with it. However, representing my country holds immense importance for me. I have consistently demonstrated my dedication over the years, wholeheartedly giving my all on the field. Regrettably, we have no control over the negative sentiments expressed by opposing fans," he expressed.
As an experienced player, I have learned to effectively ignore external distractions and maintain my focus and concentration during games. However, I am aware that the attention and pressure from the media and public may have a greater impact on my family and friends than it does on me, particularly when I am actively participating in a match. To mitigate this, I do my best to distance myself from the noise and scrutiny. Nevertheless, I acknowledge that it is impossible to completely shield myself from it, as my loved ones often come across various opinions and articles, far more than I personally do.
"That's the nature of football, that's how it operates. Throughout a career, it's inevitable to face criticism if you are not considered the very best in the world. Even renowned players like Ronaldo and Messi are not exempt from criticism. It's just something that comes with the territory.
"In the current state of the game, especially for defenders and goalkeepers, every goal against you is thoroughly scrutinized. It can be challenging at times, but it's crucial to remain strong and determined. You have to remember that the next match is just around the corner, providing another opportunity to prove yourself once again."
Playing football is not just about my own experience, but also about creating memories for my loved ones. However, over the past year, it has been challenging for my family and friends to enjoy the games as they did during the previous eight or nine years of my career. Nevertheless, I am confident that this situation will improve. I will continue to put in hard work and fight for my position, striving to make things better.
Maguire expressed his gratitude towards the England fans for their constant support, especially during challenging moments. "I've consistently acknowledged the incredible support of the England fans since my debut. They have truly been remarkable," he acknowledged.
People frequently inquire about how I am able to muster the confidence and conviction to participate in my field. Undoubtedly, the England supporters play a significant role in this regard. In challenging times throughout the previous year, they have consistently provided me with unwavering support and a sense of belief in my abilities. Expressing my gratitude towards them feels insufficient.