CHARITY GAME LATEST

Last updated : 13 February 2007 By Editor

From United's site:

David Beckham will be back at Old Trafford next month after being named first on the all-star Europe XI squad list to face United in the Jubilee Charity Match on 13 March.

Beckham, who gave eleven years' service to the Reds before departing for Real Madrid in 2003, will be joined by Liverpool pair Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

The special match marks two jubilees: Manchester United's half-century of involvement in European competitions; and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, which laid the foundations for a united Europe. It is being staged by the Manchester United Foundation and UEFA, with support from the European Union. All the proceeds from the celebration match will go to charity.

David Beckham was the first to accept his invitation to the match and is excited about the prospect of returning to Old Trafford. He said: "I'm happy I'm going to play on March 13th. It will be something special to go back to Old Trafford, and I'm really looking forward to it."

He will be joined by former England team-mates Carragher and Gerrard, also named in the all-star European squad selected by Italy's world champion Marcello Lippi, who will be head coach of the Europe XI.

"It is an honour for our club that two of our players have been selected to represent Europe," Liverpool boss Rafael Benítez said. "I know that they feel very privileged to be in the team and that they will enjoy playing alongside the top players from other clubs."

"I'm looking forward to the match," said Gerrard. "It's a pleasure to play alongside the top players – especially if the match earns some money for charity."

Carragher added: "I feel proud that a coach like Marcello Lippi has selected me for the European team," Jamie Carragher comments. "It's a real honour."

The Sun predict Henry will play in the charity match to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome

Here:


Italy boss Marcello Lippi and UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh will take charge of the EU side.

It is understood Lippi has already invited Arsenal ace Thierry Henry and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard to join his team.

Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard and Lyon manager Gerard Houllier have also promised to release their players for the match.

The game will mark 50 years since the establishment of the European Economic Community, the forerunner of the current European Union.'

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