AND NOW A WORD FROM BECKS...

Sir David Beckham has just posted the following message on his official blog:

"Hello and a happy new year to you all,

I've had an incredible start to the year already! I was lucky enough to receive the Football Writers Tribute Award last night, which was amazing for me personally. I was pleased to have Sven Goran Eriksson and Bryan Robson there at the ceremony saying a few words about my career. Both of them have achieved much in the game and are good people. It was also very emotional watching the highlights of my career so far. I'm so proud of what I have accomplished and I know I still have plenty more to offer. It was a special night for both me and my family, who were also there with me, and I hope I can create some more memories to add to the ones recognised yesterday evening.

I'm currently spending my days at Arsenal's training ground, making sure I keep myself fit during the MLS off-season. It's nice to be back in the UK even though the weather is a bit chilly! I'm definitely missing the Californian sun, and it was very kind of [French soccer manager] Arsene Wenger and Arsenal to let me train alongside the squad and use their facilities. I'm working hard to keep fit and to give myself the best chance of being called up to [Italian soccer manager] Fabio Cappello's first England squad next month.

Hope you all had a peaceful & restful festive season.
Here's to a great new year.

David"