The Real Madrid superstar, David Beckham, criticized the British public and fans for "knocking them down" with every opportunity they get, and urges them to take example from the American people, who are taking pride in their country's athletes.

"They put you up there and then they try and knock you down. Then, when you're down, if you get out of it, they like that. But once you're out of it, they try and knock you down again," The Sun quoted the 30-year old midfielder as saying.

Beckham confessed that celebrity bashing was popular in U.K., but not anymore, adding he's glad he left England and moved to Spain, because he was weary of the negative publicity he got in Britain. He also said that Americans are far more loyal to their sportsmen and women.

"It's one thing I like about America. They put them up on a pedestal. They don't try to knock them down. And that's a great thing - to be respected by the whole country. It's so patriotic," the paper quoted him as saying to Details magazine.