MX23RW : Sunday, January 12 13:09:14| >> :600:401244726:401244726:

David Seaman against professionals competing in Olympics

Seaman: Olympics is for amateurs
© PA Photos
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman believes that Olympic football should be left to the amateurs as opposed to the country's elite players.

Former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman believes that the top professionals in Great Britain should not be taking part in Olympic football.

Team GB coach Stuart Pearce has the responsibility of picking a squad to compete in the London 2012 Games, with Gareth Bale, Craig Bellamy, Joe Cole and David Beckham being touted as potential members.

Despite a number of professionals making themselves available for the competition, Seaman believes that it should be left to less experienced players.

"If you get the option it's a big decision," Seaman told BBC Sport. "Obviously representing Great Britain would be a massive honour, but I was a professional for 22 years and I don't think I would have done it.

"I don't think it's for professional footballers. I've always felt it should be left to the amateurs and I'll stand by that."

The men's team are due to face Senegal, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay in the group stage of the competition.

ID:25135: cacheID:25135:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2136:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Jack Wilshere
Read Next:
Wilshere won't budge on Olympics?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Steelers
14-28
Ravens
6pm
Broncos
@
Bills
9.30pm
Packers
@
Eagles
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool19144147192846
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest20124429191040
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd206592328-523
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2044123145-1416
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!