David Beckham Details Reasons for Backing 'Vote Remain' Ahead of EU Referendum

Former England captain David Beckham has revealed he will be voting for Great Britain to remain as part of the European Union, insisting players from across the continent helped him develop as a footballer and a person. 

The polls will open on Thursday June 23 when the British people will have their own say on the matter. But in a post on his official Facebook page, Beckham, who played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, has nailed his colours to the mast.

“We live in a vibrant and connected world where together as a people we are strong,” read a section of the bulletin. “For our children and their children we should be facing the problems of the world together and not alone. For these reasons I am voting to Remain.”

Here is the post from the former midfielder:

In the post, Beckham cited the influence of a host of figures from his playing days hailing from various European countries. They include his former captain and Republic of Ireland international Roy Keane, legendary Danish goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and French forward Eric Cantona.

The sporting consequences of a potential “Brexit” have been discussed as the vote edges closer. As reported by Lia Hervey of Sky Sports, sports immigration lawyer Maria Patsalos stated some Premier League clubs could miss out on star European players if the public decide to leave the EU.

“A good example at the moment is Dimitri Payet and N'Golo Kante,” said Patsalos of a potential Brexit. “They have not been playing for their French national sides regularly at all. They would not have been given the opportunity to play in the Premier League if we are talking in three or four years' time.”

FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Hervey also reported that cricket and rugby would be influenced by a Brexit vote, noting the sports currently adhere to the Kolpak ruling that allows citizens from European Union Associate countries “the right to freedom of work and movement in the EU.” These privileges could be restricted if Britain votes to leave.

“The ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board] estimates around six per cent of players will be affected out of 400 to 420 professional cricketers,” added Hervey. “In rugby, there were 72 Kolpak players in the Aviva Premiership last season.”

As noted by Sky News, Premier League chief Richard Scudamore has stated all 20 of the division’s clubs back a decision to remain as part of the EU.

However, former England international defender Sol Campbell backed a Brexit in a column for the Mail on Sunday, having stated the influx of foreign stars is “crowding out young English and British talent.”