Los Angeles: David Beckham has offered his support to Fabio Capello, the Italian who called time on Beckham’s international career, after his decision to stand down as England manager.

In his first public comments on the issue, 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 down at a critical stage for England,” Beckham said after training with the LA Galaxy on Thursday. “You know that 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 Championship, denies the charge and Capello later expressed his frustration that the decision had been made without his consultation.

When Beckham was asked whether the captaincy should be decided by the coach or the FA, he backed the manager.

“Coach’s call. You know, I think that’s always the case,” Beckham said.

               (Reuters)