BECKS GETS UEFA GONG

FORMER England captain David Beckham is to receive this year’s UEFA President’s Award for “outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities”.

Previous winners include Johan Cruyff, Bobby Charlton, Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Robson and Paolo Maldini.

Becks will pick up his gong in Monaco later this year. The former Manchester United star said: “I am proud to join the illustrious list of players who have won this award.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Beckham is a true football icon. He has been a global ambassador for football, promoting the game in every corner of the planet.”