Beckham disappointed Capello quit so close to European Championships

PanARMENIAN.Net - David Beckham said he was disappointed Capello had quit the job so close to the European Championships, but said he respected his decision and believed the manager should always be allowed to choose the captain.

"I've been working with Fabio for quite a few years. It's sad, obviously that he stepped at a critical stage for England," Beckham told journalists on February 16, Reuters reports.

"You know he's done it for his own reasons. You know he's a manager that I respect a lot, a person I respect a lot. I wish him all the best."

Capello's turbulent reign as England manager ended last week when he resigned after meeting with the FA, who stripped John Terry of the captaincy for allegedly racially abusing Queens Park Rangers' defender Anton Ferdinand.

Terry, who would have led England at this year's European Championships, denies the charge and Capello later expressed his frustration that the decision had been made without his consultation.

Beckham, who has not given up hope of being recalled to the England squad even after Capello said last year he was too old for international duty, also reiterated his preference for an Englishman to run the national team.

Beckham offered his support to Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, who has emerged as one of the front-runners for the job.

"Harry's a great man, great manager. His man management is incredible," Beckham said.