Beckham: I am not a marketing tool

New PSG midfielder David Beckham has stressed he still has plenty to offer on the pitch and is more than just a marketing icon.

New PSG midfielder David Beckham has stressed he still has plenty to offer on the pitch and is more than just a marketing icon.

The former England star joined Paris Saint-Germain on a five-month deal in the winter transfer window.

And he insists he did not just come to the Ligue 1 giants to sell jerseys.

“If I can contribute to the club selling many shirts, no problem, that’s good! It’s great to see so many people wearing my shirt,” Beckham told L’Equipe.

“In the past at clubs that I have played, I’ve heard the same thing, that I would sell shirts. It was like that at Man Utd, Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy.

“I am very proud people buy my shirt, but I can still play a bit of football, I can assure you.”

The experienced midfielder then went on to have his say on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and says the Swede is an example to follow.

“Everyone has an ego, but his is of a super type. Before I finish here, I will know the player. I have seen him play at many of the biggest clubs in the world, but I have never known him as a team-mate. Now, yes,” he said.

“I have only been at the club three weeks, but I have never met many players in my career who are as professional as Zlatan.

“There is a quite incredible mix of young players and big-name players with more experience, like Ibra. You know, at a big club, it is very difficult to ensure that all the players have the same hunger, the same desire to win.

“Ibra is a great example. He thinks football, he lives football, but he continues to work hard and he wants to win all the time. When he loses a little game, his face drops, it’s impressive.”

Ibrahimovic has already netted 22 goals in as many Ligue 1 starts this term.