Beckham hints at footballing career in Japan

David Beckham says he might end his playing career in Japan and open a football school for children in the country similar to the ones he played in as a youngster.

Beckham's enormous popularity with football fans in Japan will go into overdrive now that he has expressed an interest in "honouring", as the Japanese would see it, their country by playing for a local club.

The England captain is not leaving Old Trafford yet, however. Yesterday, when he revealed his interest in playing in Japan – telling a small group of English reporters – he stressed his new five-year Manchester United contract was signed and sealed.

"I'm talking about after my top-flight career has ended," said Beckham before training at the England team's base near Kobe. He added: "The reception I've had here has been amazing. I expected something from being here in the past with Manchester United. It was manic then but I've never experienced anything like this anywhere."

The adulation was so overwhelming, Beckham said, he had been told never to leave the team hotel except on his England duties. He added: "It's unfortunate as I like to experience these things but you never know, I might play here at one point."

There would be no shortage of offers if Beckham was to take the plunge. The J-League, Japan's 10-year-old professional league, has been affected by Japan's recession but the teams are corporate-owned and companies such as Nissan, Toyota and Mitsubushi would love to have Beckham as their company figurehead.

There is also a link through Beckham's main personal sponsor, Adidas. The sportswear company makes the Japanese national team's shirt which, with the host nation's success in reaching the knock-out stages, is expected to become the biggest-selling football shirt.

A move for England's world- famous captain is not so improbable from a footballing viewpoint either. Several big players, including Zico and Dunga, both captains of Brazilian World Cup teams, Hhristo Stoichkov, Bulgaria's greatest player, Italy's 1990 World Cup hero Salvatore Schillaci and England's own Gary Lineker have played in Japan.

Arsene Wenger, the current Arsenal manager, coached there before moving to Highbury. "I've not spoken to people like Lineker," said Beckham, "but I'm sure it was a special experience for them. The supporters of Japan and South Korea have made this a special World Cup and I'm glad for them both teams have qualified to the knock-outs."

Beckham would look to combine playing in Japan with setting up a series of soccer schools like the ones he attended as a child. They were created by Bobby Charlton, a Manchester United legend. Beckham said: "When I've finished playing I'd like to set up some soccer schools because I liked going to them when I was younger. It's an option here because my popularity is amazing."

When asked about the reception he gets during games, he said: "It is amazing. I'm focused on the match when playing so I hadn't realised. Then someone videoed the Denmark game from the stands and showed me."

Beckham-mania has had a positive effect on the England team's World Cup chances. Thousands waited outside the stadium at Niigata before and after England's match on Saturday while, inside, everyone except a small group of Danes were supporting England. Sven Goran Eriksson, the England coach, said: "The fans have been fantastic. I can't believe we are so popular in Japan. I think we have to thank Beckham for a lot of that. There is a Beckham fever in this country."