英语听力精选进阶版 7285（在线收听）

英格兰足球队前任队长贝克汉姆已被中国足球当局聘请为兼职体育大使，以促进中国足球超级联赛。与此同时贝克汉姆将继续为巴黎圣日耳曼效力。

David Beckham says he's 'honoured' and 'excited' by this new role, as part-time global ambassador for Chinese football. It could be one of his toughest yet.

In the world's most populous country, football has struggled for popularity. Corruption and match-fixing have tainted Chinese football. And recent attempts by Chinese clubs to hire star players from abroad, including Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka have foundered. The big foreign names have left after just a few months, disappointed by their new clubs or the standard of the game in China.

In the same way he was an ambassador for the London Olympics, David Beckham's role will be to promote China's Super League inside and outside the country. In particular he'll try to encourage Chinese children to get interested in the game.

It's not clear how much he'll be paid by China's League to be its ambassador, but he'll continue to play football for his new French club Paris St. Germain.

Quiz 听力测验

True or False? The new role could be one of the most difficult in Beckham's career.

True. It could be one of his toughest yet.

True or False? Hiring star players from abroad such as Didier Drogba has proved successful.

False. Hiring star players from abroad, including Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka has foundered.

Why have foreign stars given up after just a few months?

Because they were disappointed by their new clubs or the standard of the game in China.

What else is expected of Beckham in his new role apart from promoting China's Super League?

In particular he'll try to encourage Chinese children to get interested in the game.

Glossary 词汇表

honoured 荣幸的

role 角色/职务

ambassador （体育）大使

toughest 最具挑战性的

corruption 腐败

tainted 沾污了

standard 水平

to encourage 鼓励