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Advertisement

Beckham's off for Real
Football



Published: 18-June-2003
By: Bridgid Nzekwu



England captain David Beckham, perhaps the world's highest profile player, has signed for Real Madrid. The deal is worth 25 million pounds.


Jet-setting, globetrotting Becks n' Posh. The highly marketable couple arrived in Japan's Narita airport this morning - on the latest leg of a commercial tour.



Beckham is adored here and throughout Asia and the Far East. And that's exactly why Real Madrid has signed him. More shirts sales - not necessarily more goals - is what the club is after.



Beckham has described his career move as "an amazing opportunity" and a "unique and exciting experience" for his family. And even grouchy Alex Ferguson has wished him all the best, stating that Becks has been integral to United's success in the last decade.



So, will the cult of Beckham thrive in Spain as it does in Japan? In a fantasy team already packed with superstars like Ronaldo, Figo and Zidane, the fans are used to uber-celebrity. But although Madrid has paid less than Barcelona offered, its still a pretty good deal.



Phil Ball - Spanish football expert:



"Three days ago there was talk of them offering 14 million. I'm quite surprised they've paid 25, that rather suggests they're keener on him than they were making out. They paid more for Ronaldo and they've already recouped that in shirt sales."



How much Manchester United gets for Beckham depends on Real Madrid's progress in the champions league.



If Real performs well Manchester United will get £25 million for Beckham over four years. £7.5million will be paid up-front and the remaining £17.5 million in four instalments. ManU will also save £4.6 million a year on Beckham's salary.



But the overall gain could be countered by buying other players - Ronaldinho is in their sights. And of course they'll lose their stake in David's image.



Playing for Real Beckham's paypacket won't change much - he's agreed an annual salary of £4.2 million. Then there's the non-football earnings. Real and Beckham share Adidas as sponsors - but David also promotes Vodafone, Police sunglasses, Pepsi, Marks & Spencer, Brylcreem and others. These endorsements earn him around £13 million a year. Free of Alex Ferguson's disapproval and with Real's desire to exploit Beckham's image - he could earn a lot more.



In football terms though the question is how much Beckham will play at Real given that they already have one of the world's best wingers in Luis Figo. Like fellow Brit McManaman who also transferred to Real, he may not play regularly - and that could endanger his iconic status as England captain.


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