DAVID BECKHAM was a part of Real Madrid’s Brazilian clique which left Spanish-speaking members of the squad jealous, former Los Blancos player Robinho claims.
The 36-year-old who now plays for Turkish side Besiksehir recounted his time at the Santiago Bernabeu to Italian media outlet La Gazetta dello Sport.
Real Madrid’s Brazilian star Ronaldo celebrates with David Beckham after scoring second goal against Marseille in the Champions League in 2003Credit: Reuters
He spoke of the chemistry in the team and his former team-mate Beckham, saying: ”When Madrid came, I saw that they had a large Brazilian presence in the team and they had Vanderlei Luxemburgo as their coach at the time.
”So, why go to Barcelona?
”There was a great harmony among the Brazilians in the squad. Beckham was always with the Brazilians. He was part of our group.
Beckham congratulates Robinho after he scored against Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del ReyCredit: EPA
”The Spaniards were jealous because he spoke more Portuguese than Spanish, so he ended up spending more time with us.”
After scoring more than 80 goals over four seasons at Santos, Brazilian Robinho moved to Europe and helped Real Madrid win back-to-back La Liga titles in 2007 and 2008.
Spanish giants Barca had had their eyes on the starlet at around that time, but Real swooped in with a deal before their rivals had the chance to steal their prize.
He then stayed in Spain for three seasons before moving over to Premier League’s Manchester City in 2008.
Things did not end on good terms for him and Real when his time with the club came to its eventual end.
He also told Gazetta: ”My goal was to go to Chelsea. But things ended badly with Real Madrid.
”They didn’t like Chelsea selling shirts with my name on them before the deal was concluded. I don’t regret leaving Madrid. But I am sorry I made mistakes with them when I left.
”Madrid was the club that opened my doors and offered me the opportunity to conquer Europe.”
Former England captain Beckham joined LA Galaxy from Real in 2007 and part of his contract gave him the option to buy an MLS franchise at a reduced rate in the future.
It took him several years, but he took up that option and six years ago and he now owns Inter Miami.
David Beckham’s daughter Harper gives him a foot massage as she sets up makeshift spa
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
