David Beckham: Inter Miami Owner Opens Up on How Zidane Told Him To Leave United for Real Madrid

• David Beckham made a shock move from Manchester United to Real Madrid back in 2003
• Beckham became the third Englishman to play for Madrid, after Laurie Cunningham and Steve McManaman
• He has now opened up about how 1998 World Cup winner, Zinedine Zidane played a role in his transfer

David Beckham has provided insight into how Zinedine Zidane played a significant role in his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid.

Beckham, who was a prized asset for Manchester United in the early 2000s, made a stunning career move by leaving Old Trafford and joining Real Madrid in 2003.

Initially, it seemed like Barcelona might be his preferred destination, as the Englishman had played a central role in Joan Laporta's successful campaign to become president of the Catalan club.

However, the midfielder ultimately chose to sign with their rivals, Real Madrid, in a move worth 35 million euros (approximately £25m), per the Independent.

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Zidane's role in Beckham's Madrid move

Beckham spent four seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he won the La Liga title in the 2006-07 season. He later played for MLS franchise Los Angeles Galaxy before brief stints with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment that influenced his decision to join Los Blancos, Beckham pointed to Zidane's bold move during a Champions League match.

"Zidane came up to me," the ex-England international, who co-owns MLS side Inter Miami, said, as quoted by MadridXtra.

"You know, he does not speak too much English. He never really says too much. He came up to me, we shook hands and he said to me ‘you come to Madrid.’ And I was like 'did Zizou just say that?' I love that moment."

The two shared the field as teammates at Los Blancos for three years before the Frenchman retired professionally in 2006 following the FIFA World Cup, while the Englishman departed the club a year later.

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Beckham reunited with Zidane in the US

Sports Brief also reported on Real Madrid royalty gracing the DRV PNK Stadium during the US Open Cup final between Inter Miami and Houston Dynamo.

David Beckham, who is a club co-owner and a regular presence at their home stadium, was in attendance for the game.

He was seen in the company of his former teammate and fellow legend from their Real Madrid days, Zinedine Zidane, adding to the anticipation of the cup final.