DI CANIO: BECKS SHOULD STAY IN ENGLAND
The outspoken Hammers hero, who has also once more indicated his desire to finish his career at Upton Park, rubbished the comments of those who think Beckham will benefit from a stint in Italy or Spain.
"David Beckham is one of the best footballers in the world, playing for one of the biggest clubs and performing at the peak of his powers," Di Canio states in his Sunday People column.
"Yet some people are still saying he should play abroad. But why on earth would he want to swap everything he's got here to go to Italy or Spain?
"There are a handful of great clubs in the world - Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan and, obviously, my beloved Lazio among them. And Beckham is an important part of United's success.
"He has that winning confidence, the people love him, he can play in the Champions League every year and he can win the Premiership every season, so why change?
"I don't think he needs to go abroad. If he wants a new cultural or footballing experience then that's his choice, but if I was him, I'd never change - I would never leave Manchester United.
"The game is all about winners and, for me, the attacking way that United play is the best kind of football for winning.
"I hope and pray for the sake of the English game that Beckham continues to play his football here."
Di Canio also reveals that he thinks the England captain ranks amongst the world's best, and that his free kick ability is up there with the best of all time.
"Beckham is also a far better footballer now. He's a 360-degree player whereas before he was mainly a down-the-line right-winger with a good cross and good free-kick.
"But when England played Greece last week, he was playing front and back, winning tackles, competing all over the pitch.
"He is now the complete footballer.
"With his passion and mentality he can do anything, and I believe he is the best right-sided player in the world.
"In the middle he's one of the best, along with the likes of Davids, Nedved, Vieira, Zidane and my hero Roy Keane. Plus he's better at free-kicks than me!
"Talking of free-kicks, he must be one of the best of all time - right up there with Maradona, Zico and Platini, because he can pick his spot and disguise it at the same time.
"Just think of all the pressure that was on him at Old Trafford in that World Cup qualifying decider.
"He's run himself into the ground and demands the ball, the responsibility, in the 93rd minute and knows he must score, and does.
"That's the mark of a true champion - he never gave up."
Trevor Sinclair rocked the West Ham dressing room when he handed in a transfer request, and team-mate Di Canio admits his honesty is beyond question - but that he hopes that he changes his mind.
"Trevor Sinclair's desire to leave for a new challenge is a blow.
"I can't blame him because he has been honest even though I can understand the supporters' frustrations.
"But Trevor has given everything in matches for this club, especially fighting back after injury and I am sure he will continue to do so as long as he is with West Ham.
"I hope he changes his mind because we have a special friendship and a good understanding on the pitch."
