Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado has revealed how he was tasked with looking after David Beckham when he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The England captain boldly decided to join Real Madrid after a high-profile fallout with Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

In 2003, Beckham became the latest in a long line of Galacticos and appeared to be a perfect fit for the glamorous team assembled by club president Florentino Perez.

While Beckham became an instant star attraction on the pitch, he initially faced problems acclimatising to his new life in Spain.

Real Madrid icon Salgado has spoken about how he was made responsible for Beckham from his first day at the club.

“For me, it was a tough moment because I had to babysit him a little bit,” Salgado told TNT Sports. “Victoria [Beckham] was not there so I was the only guy speaking English.

“He would call me every day, ‘Michel, let’s go for this, let’s go for that’. So it was a pretty good time. For me, it was good because I practised English. I did it with Macca [Steve McManaman] before and then I had Beckham so it was a good moment.”

The team failed to deliver on its potential during Beckham’s time in Spain but did clinch the La Liga title in 2007. Beckham would go on to join LA Galaxy before retiring at PSG after two separate loan spells at AC Milan. He is now the owner of MLS side Inter Miami, who count a certain Lionel Messi among their ranks.

As for Salgado, the full-back was once described as the “hardest person in the world ” and “a genuine psychopath” by McManaman.

Perhaps the defender’s approach to the game came from his long-standing admiration for English football. He grew up learning the language with his sister-in-law from York and spent a month in Margate during his teenage years as an exchange student. It meant that when he was released from Real Madrid, he took the advice of ex-team-mates Ivan Campo and Fernando Hierro to join former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers.

Salgado would spend three years at Ewood Park and backed Allardyce to replace Fabio Capello as England boss in 2010. “Who is better for England than an English manager who ­understands the English mentality and knows everything about the English game?” he asked. “He did a great job with Bolton. He is doing a great job with Blackburn Rovers.

“You know the talent of the manager when he has a small batch of players and you are a competitive team. The job he’s done over the last few years has been magnificent. He is one of the reasons I came here to England.”

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During his time at Real Madrid, David Beckham brought a unique charm and star power to the team. His arrival marked a new era of Galacticos under the leadership of club president Florentino Perez. Despite initial struggles to adapt to life in Spain, Beckham quickly became a key figure both on and off the field.Former Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado played a crucial role in helping Beckham settle in at the club. As the only English speaker in the team at the time, Salgado took on the responsibility of looking after Beckham and assisting him in any way he could. This included helping Beckham with everyday tasks and providing support during his transition to a new country.Beckham’s time at Real Madrid was marked by both success and challenges. While the team failed to live up to its full potential during his tenure, they did manage to secure the La Liga title in 2007. Beckham’s eventual move to LA Galaxy and subsequent loan spells at AC Milan and PSG showcased his versatility and global appeal as a football icon.Salgado’s own journey after leaving Real Madrid led him to Blackburn Rovers, where he played under former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce. Salgado’s admiration for English football and his belief in Allardyce’s coaching abilities played a significant role in his decision to join the club. He praised Allardyce for his understanding of the English game and backed him as a potential candidate for the England national team manager position.As both Beckham and Salgado navigated their careers post-Real Madrid, they continued to leave a lasting impact on the football world. Beckham’s ownership of MLS side Inter Miami and Salgado’s contributions to the game as a player and pundit demonstrate their enduring passion for the sport. Their experiences at Real Madrid and beyond serve as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and love for the beautiful game.In conclusion, the story of David Beckham and Michel Salgado at Real Madrid is a testament to the power of teamwork, mentorship, and friendship in the world of football. Their bond, both on and off the pitch, highlights the importance of support and camaraderie in achieving success. As the football world continues to evolve, their legacy lives on as a source of inspiration for future generations of players and fans alike.
Michel Salgado’s role in helping David Beckham transition to life at Real Madrid highlights the importance of camaraderie in football. As the only English speaker in the team at the time, Salgado took it upon himself to assist Beckham in any way he could, from everyday tasks to providing emotional support during his adjustment to a new country.Despite facing challenges in adapting to Spanish life, Beckham quickly became a pivotal figure both on and off the field during his time at Real Madrid. His arrival signaled a new era of Galacticos under the leadership of club president Florentino Perez, bringing a unique charm and star power to the team.While Real Madrid did not achieve all of their goals during Beckham’s tenure, they did manage to secure the La Liga title in 2007. Beckham’s versatility and global appeal as a football icon were further showcased through his subsequent moves to LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and PSG.Salgado’s own journey post-Real Madrid led him to Blackburn Rovers, where he played under the guidance of Sam Allardyce. Salgado’s deep admiration for English football and belief in Allardyce’s coaching abilities played a significant role in his decision to join the club. His support for Allardyce as a potential candidate for the England national team manager position speaks volumes about the manager’s impact on his players.As Beckham and Salgado continued to navigate their careers beyond Real Madrid, their enduring passion for the sport remained evident. Beckham’s ownership of MLS side Inter Miami and Salgado’s contributions as a player and pundit showcase their unwavering dedication to football.In conclusion, the bond between David Beckham and Michel Salgado serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and mentorship in achieving success in football. Their story embodies the principles of teamwork, resilience, and support, leaving a lasting impact on the football world. As we look ahead to the future of the sport, their legacy continues to inspire players and fans alike. Stay tuned for more insightful content to keep you informed and motivated. Subscribe to our updates for the latest news and updates. Source: USA Today.