INTERVIEW | Sport is a real tool for change, says David Beckham

. David Beckham's visit to India as a UNICEF ambassador has been inspiring. He has seen the progress made, but also the need for change. He discussed the power of sport to break down barriers and the importance of gender equality. He also spoke of his involvement with Inter Miami and the potential of the Indian football market. He believes playing in a lesser quality league should not impact national selection. He is a true Manchester United fan and hopes for a change at the top to bring the club back to its former glory.

He has travelled to India as a UNICEF ambassador and to watch his first cricket World Cup game — the first semifinal involving India and New Zealand. But David Beckham’s eyes glitter as much while discussing his involvement with the youth of India as while discussing football.

He still refers to Manchester United as “us” and “we”. The legendary footballer discussed all things UNICEF and football during a brief chat with The Hindu on Wednesday.

Now that you have spent some time in India, what’s your initial feeling? Is your coming to India too late or too early?

I don’t think it’s too late or too early. I always feel that there can be change and there also has been progression here. This is my first time visiting India. I can’t believe I have never been to this country before. It’s a country that I have always wanted to visit, but for some reason I have never been able to.

People welcomed me with open arms, but I have seen a lot of good. I have seen a lot of change and people that I have spoken to feel that there has been progression, but there is still a lot to be done. That’s one of the reasons why I am part of UNICEF.

It’s one of the reasons why I am here. It’s one of the reasons why we have visited different places in Gujarat when I went to the university to meet different young kids. And I went to a couple of different villages and a women’s programme down in this incredible place, and that for me was encouraging.

There is more to India and David Beckham than just the film. Have you been able to interact with any fans so far?