David Beckham will give France a lift says Arsene Wenger

Former England captain completed move to PSG yesterday

David Beckham will help focus the eyes of the world on French football, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claimed today.

The former England captain has been training with the Gunners before yesterday's move to Paris St Germain was announced.

Wenger said the 37-year-old's latest move would be good for French football.

"Beckham is a world brand and the eyes will be on him, and on PSG, therefore also on the French league while he is there," said Arsenal's French manager.

"I don't know if he had offers from all around the world, but PSG is not a bad choice because they are a very ambitious club, who have a lot of potential.

"They look to extend their reputation at the moment, and Beckham certainly is a good part in that."

Wenger joked that Beckham had Arsenal's training sessions to thank for his new club - but warned that the player was still some way short of being match-fit.

He added: "It just shows you how efficient we are with our training sessions. He came here to practise once, and straight away he was bought by Paris St Germain.

"But I believe he has to go through physical preparation and it will take him a few weeks to be completely match fit."

Beckham will not join up with PSG until February 11, after the international break.

He has signed a five-month contract initially but will consider extending it on a rolling basis if the Qatar-owned club are interested in doing so ahead of next season.

PA