FORMER Real Madrid striker David Barral has become the first footballer to be transferred for BITCOIN.
The 37-year-old has joined Segunda B side DUX Internacional de Madrid.
David Barral’s move to Segunda B side DUX Internacional de Madrid has been funded by cryptocurrency
The deal to bring him to the Spanish side, also known as Inter Madrid, has been funded entirely with cryptocurrency.
It is believed to be the first time a professional football club has used this means of payment.
The club, who count Real Madrid star Thibault Courtois as one of its owners, shared news of the 37-year-old’s signing on Twitter.
They wrote: “David Barral new player of DUX Internacional de Madrid, welcome to the infinite club!
“He becomes the first signing in history in cryptocurrencies. Thanks to Criptan, our new sponsor, for making it possible.”
Barral also tweeted: “Glad to join the project of @interdemadrid with eager ambition and responsibility to continue competing and achieve important challenges in my sports career.”
Barral failed to make it to the senior set up with Real Madrid, making over 50 appearances for the B side.
He then went on to play for Sporting Gijon, Levante and Racing Santander before making this historical move.
Real Madrid keeper Thibault Courtois is one of the owners of DUX Internacional de MadridCredit: AP:Associated Press
WHAT IS BITCOIN?
All you need to know…
Bitcoin became the world’s first entirely virtual currency when it was introduced in January 2009.
Users cannot carry coins or notes and its value appears only as a number on a screen.
It was created by a shadowy online account which went by the name Satoshi Nakamoto.
New currency is created via a complex online process called mining which uses supercomputers to create new Bitcoins using complex computer code.
Bitcoins aren’t printed, like pounds, dollars or euros – they’re produced by people, and increasingly businesses, running computers all around the world.
It was the first example of a growing category of money known as cryptocurrency.
SunSport reported in the summer how Courtois bought a slice of Inter de Madrid – meaning the Spanish third tier club changed their name.
Real Madrid’s ex-Chelsea keeper teamed up with pals through his passion for online gaming.
Real Betis striker Borja Iglesias and famous Spanish Youtuber DJ Mariio joined Courtois in the venture.
The kit and badge changed, although English businessman Stephen Newman continued as chairman.
A club statement at the time read: “As partners of DUX Gaming they will use their experience in the world of sport to advise both the professional football club and the eSports team”.
Thibaut Courtois plays with lion cub at zoo as Real Madrid star enjoys summer break
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
