By David Gold

david beckham_ryan_giggs_17-01-12January 17 - David Beckham (pictured left) has confirmed his interest in representing Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games, as has his former teammate Manchester United player Ryan Giggs (right).


The prospect of Giggs and Beckham, who is now considering whether to remain with Major League Soccer champions LA Galaxy, teaming up again over a decade after they led United to the treble of Premier League, Champions League and the FA Cup in 1999 is an intriguing one.

Giggs could face fierce competition for a spot from fellow Welshman Gareth Bale, who has made no secret of his desire to be a part of Stuart Pearce's squad this summer.

insidethegames understands that Tottenham Hotspur winger Bale and Wales captain Aaron Ramsey have both responded positively to the enquiry from the Football Association as to whether they would be interested in playing for Team GB this summer, as has Lille midfielder Joe Cole (pictured).

Joe Cole_playing_for_Lille
Cole is currently on loan from Liverpool and has been in superb form for the French champions and, like Beckham, would be returning to his roots in the East End if selected by Pearce.

In total, 191 players were contacted by the Football Association, and though there was a positive response, seven have said that they would not be interested in playing for Team GB.

The Daily Mail reported that the seven players come from the four home nations.

The Football Associations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales remain fiercely opposed to the involvement of their players with Team GB, believing it threatens their independence as football nations.

Darryl Seibel, communications director of the British Olympic Association (BOA), said: "This is an outstanding response and it confirms what we have believed all along, which is that there is widespread interest among players in competing for Team GB at the London 2012 Games.

"Clearly, the players recognise just how special this opportunity is."

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