David Beckham says he prefers rugby to football

David Beckham moved a step closer to seeing his MLS franchise become a reality when his stadium site was approved for Miami Beckham United.

But while he might be one of the most recognisable football figures on the planet and the trump card in Major League Soccer's battle for hearts and minds, Beckham's sporting allegiances lie outside of football. "I love rugby," the former England football captain told the Radio Times. "I love watching it and I love the whole thing. I have enjoyed going to Twickenham more than I have enjoyed watching football." Beckham is fed up with the animosity in stands, explaining his stance by saying what he likes about the rugby is, "people sitting together with no nastiness." It seems the Beckhams are going off football en masse, with older sons Romeo and Brooklyn both losing interest in the game. Brooklyn, 16, was on the books at Arsenal, but has since turned his attention to photography, while 13-year-old Romeo has also gone off the game.

"The other day Romeo turned round to me and said he didn't want to play football any more. Part of me was devastated but part of me was relieved, too," said Beckham

It is down to Cruz and Harper now to make sure the Beckham name lives on in the game.