Football Food For Thought / Tareq Quiroz / 17 October 2008 /

One-time greats Darren Anderton, David Beckham and Rivaldo don't play in the company that they used to or see as much of the limelight as they used to you so why do they keep on going? Is it for the love of the game or is it for the paycheck at the end of the month, asks Tareq Quiroz.

I can't say that I am sad to see the back of yet another International week of fixtures. I just don't see how the authorities can expect us to go two weeks with just a handful of interesting matches to sink our teeth into. The same old boring topics are rolled out and we have to pretend we care if the WAGS are allowed in the hotel or not and if Lampard and Gerrard can play alongside each other in midfield. I can just about deal with it for a week but now I am desperate to get back to the cut and thrust of the domestic programme.

A further topic we are currently forced to discuss at every International break is the David Beckham situation. The new twist in the ongoing Becks saga is whether or not he is now just picking caps up on the cheap. England boss Fabio Capello seems to have made a habit in recent games of bringing Beckham on for the tail end of a game for what on the face of it seems for little purpose. Beckham has said for his part that he is more than happy to play any part he can in the England set-up. In fairness it is an England team that are doing very well, reflected in their odd of [1.21] to win their qualifying group. The question this all throws up is, can a onetime great be happy with 10 minute cameo performances?

David Beckham flies half way around the world to play for England and is rewarded with a few minutes once the game is sown up. Critics are saying he is getting cheap caps but I say we must applaud this man for his desire to play for his country. Probably the most famous footballer in the world, a very rich man and living in Los Angeles you could forgive him for starting to lack in motivation. The love of the game doesn't appear to have been squeezed out of the man despite his huge success, although no doubt the cynics will say this is just a man who can't stand being out of the limelight.

Ten years ago we had lots of players who played until they literally couldn't play anymore. Player after player would drop down the leagues and many still kept going in the non-league scene. This is a much rarer sight nowadays and a sad side of a game that is now so super rich at the top echelons. So, what makes someone carry on even when their abilities are dwindling? For want of a better expression I would have to say these guys are addicted to the game. They cannot let go of the whole football scene. The day to day banter with the lads, the buzz of the match day and the thrill of victory. All are intoxicating substances that are not easily relinquished by some.

A classic example is Darren Anderton. An extremely talented player who has played at the highest level yet still has found the desire to return to the South coast to play for Bournemouth, who are languishing in League Two. In total contrast to Beckham, Anderton's tumble down the pecking order is somewhat more dramatic. The legs aren't quite there anymore but he still has the ability to keep on performing even though at a lower level. You have to admire Sicknote's dedication to the cause and his clear love of the game.

His Bournemouth side are suffering on and off the playing field but yet he plays on. Something he will be doing when he takes the Cherries to Shrewsbury on Saturday, where they are a big looking [5.2] to take all three points.

The reasons why players fall from grace are clearly wide ranging but surely none are more obvious than a certain Rivaldo's. This Brazilian legend is best known for his time at Barcelona whilst he was also putting in great performances for his country. Now 36 years of age Rivaldo can be found, if you happen to be in the area, playing for Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan. A reported 10 million Euro contract for just two years clearly being the most important factor in his move.

I accept we are all individuals and different things are attractive to different people. It may be money or it may be the lure of the limelight but I don't think they are any less valid reasons to play than simply loving this great game.

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