In a dark moment for English football, one of the sports greatest icons was dismissed and humiliated in a passing comment by his national manager. In a TV interview before a friendly match against Hungary, the Italian was asked about David Beckham’s future in the squad.

The Italian market an end to sporting hero’s international career with a single offhand comment; «Thank you for helping me during the World Cup, but probably (Beckham is) a little bit old,» He said.

David Beckham’s career took an upsetting turn earlier in the year when an untimely ankle injury caused him to miss out on what was widely considered his last shot at world cup glory. He got involved as a ‘special advisor’ to the manager and took an active inspirational role in the coaching of the team.

The most upsetting part for Beckham was that Capello did not even have the courtesy to notify him before making his decision public. One of the countries most respected players woke up to newspapers announcing the end of his career, a fate not undeserved of someone who has given so much to the sport.

A spokesperson for David Beckham confirmed that there had been no discussion of retirement and that «he will always be available for his country, when fit, and if needed he will be there.»

Capello did claim he had tried to contact Beckham but failed and further commented «I think, I hope, that when David is OK he can play here in a friendly at Wembley to say ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Thank you very much’,» he said said. «I won’t pick him for any more competitive games.»

Since scraping through the qualifying stages of the world cup by the skin of his teeth, the England manager took the squad through their least successful World Cup campaign ever.

England captain Steven Gerrard has backed Beckham in his fight to not be left behind in the halls of fame «I’m sure that if he hears that news, it’ll drive him on and he’ll try to prove people wrong and try to get back in the set-up because I know he loves playing for England.» Gerrard said.

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