David Beckham has revealed that he is backing the Vote Remain campaign ahead of the EU referendum.
The former footballer announced that he is opposed to Brexit, believing that the UK must remain in the European Union “for our children and their children”. Taking to Instagram, Beckham compared the benefits of remaining in the EU with the diverse selection of European talent he played alongside during his time with Manchester United. He wrote:”I’m passionate about my country and whatever the result of Thursday’s referendum, we will always be Great. Each side has the right to their opinion and that should always be respected whatever the outcome of the European Referendum.
“I played my best years at my boyhood club, Manchester United. I grew up with a core group of young British players that included Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville Brothers. Added to that was an experienced group of older British players such as Gary Pallister, Steve Bruce and Paul Ince. Now that team might have gone on to win trophies but we were a better and more successful team because of a Danish goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, the leadership of an Irishman Roy Keane and the skill of a Frenchman in Eric Cantona.”
Beckham continued: “I was also privileged to play and live in Madrid, Milan and Paris with teammates from all around Europe and the world. Those great European cities and their passionate fans welcomed me and my family and gave us the opportunity to enjoy their unique and inspiring cultures and people.
“We live in a vibrant and connected world where together as a people we are strong. 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.”
Beckham’s comments have been made just two days before the UK is set to vote in the EU referendum, which will take place on June 23. Prime Minister David Cameron, who is spearheading the Vote Remain campaign, thanked Beckham for supporting the decision to stay in the EU via Twitter:
I’m delighted to see David Beckham is supporting #StrongerIN and will vote Remain: https://t.co/oRuRB4PZgq
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) June 21, 2016
It remains to be seen whether or not the UK will decide to Leave or Remain in the EU, but having a national hero backing their cause is certainly beneficial to the latter group.
