David Beckham has surprised everyone with a confession that nobody expected. In an interview on the CBS Sports podcast, the former English footballer spoke candidly about one of the key moments of his career: his departure from Manchester United.
The curious thing was not just the transfer itself, but the clarity with which he had marked his ideal destination. Despite having grown up and succeeded at Old Trafford, Beckham didn't hesitate for a second when he knew he had to leave.
The signing with Madrid, in his own way
In the summer of 2003, Manchester United's management made the decision to sell Beckham. It wasn't easy for him. According to him, it caught him by surprise while he was on vacation, but what came next is what nobody imagined.
"I was on vacation and Peter Kenyon called me to say they had accepted an offer, Barcelona signed me."
Yes, FC Barcelona had reached an agreement with United to sign Beckham. For a moment, everything pointed to the Englishman landing at Camp Nou.
Beckham only wanted to go to one team
David Beckham was clear that he only wanted to go to one team to succeed. "I told him that if they were going to sell me, the only club I wanted to go to was Real Madrid. There was no other option."
That clear, that direct, in just a day and a half, everything changed. The agreement with Barça fell apart and Real Madrid came into the picture. Florentino Pérez didn't miss the opportunity, the transfer was closed for 37.5 million euros.
Galáctico in body and soul
Beckham joined Madrid in an era of stars: Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo, Roberto Carlos, and him. In his four seasons as a merengue, he played 155 matches, scored 13 goals, and provided 34 assists.
He won a League in 2007 and a Super Cup in 2003. He wasn't the most decisive player in the locker room, but he was one of the most charismatic and committed. He left a mark on the club and the fans.
Afterwards, he went to the MLS and today he presides over Inter Miami, where Messi plays, who couldn't believe it when he heard the story.
Another story for El Clásico
This weekend a new Clásico between Barça and Madrid will be played. As if fate wanted it that way, Beckham has put a story on the table that adds more fuel to the rivalry.
Can you imagine Beckham dressed in blue and red? He was one step away. But his heart had always decided: white. Thanks to his firmness, the story was different.