06/17/2003. As the great David Beckham transfer saga concluded with his agreeing to join Real Madrid, the England captain was generous in his praise for Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United and the Red Devils' fans.
In opting to leave United for the Spanish capital, and decline the opportunity to join Real's bitter rivals Barcelona, Beckham said the lure of Champions League football with arguably the world's most glamorous club was just too great to resist.
He has agreed a £25 million move to the Bernabeu, describing it as "an amazing opportunity" – one he would have regretted not taking.
However, Beckham added that his now ex-team-mates at Old Trafford are part of his family, and praised United's supporters for backing him over the past decade.
"I would like to publicly thank Sir Alex Ferguson for making me the player I am today," he said in a statement.
"I will always hold precious memories of my time at Manchester United and Old Trafford, as well as the players, who I regard as part of my family, and the brilliant fans who have given me so much support over the years and continue to do so.
"I recognise that this is an amazing opportunity for me at this stage in my career and a unique and exciting experience for my family.
"I know that I will always regret it later in life if I had turned down the chance to play at another great club like Real Madrid, which also has world-class players.
"I would like to thank other clubs who were interested in signing me including Barcelona and I wish them every success in the future, but I really want to play in the Champions League."
Beckham ended his statement with a tribute to Roy Keane, the United captain.
" wish Manchester United the best of luck, and led by such an inspirational captain as Roy Keane, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength."
I think Figo is on his way out for milan or inter.
In opting to leave United for the Spanish capital, and decline the opportunity to join Real's bitter rivals Barcelona, Beckham said the lure of Champions League football with arguably the world's most glamorous club was just too great to resist.
He has agreed a £25 million move to the Bernabeu, describing it as "an amazing opportunity" – one he would have regretted not taking.
However, Beckham added that his now ex-team-mates at Old Trafford are part of his family, and praised United's supporters for backing him over the past decade.
"I would like to publicly thank Sir Alex Ferguson for making me the player I am today," he said in a statement.
"I will always hold precious memories of my time at Manchester United and Old Trafford, as well as the players, who I regard as part of my family, and the brilliant fans who have given me so much support over the years and continue to do so.
"I recognise that this is an amazing opportunity for me at this stage in my career and a unique and exciting experience for my family.
"I know that I will always regret it later in life if I had turned down the chance to play at another great club like Real Madrid, which also has world-class players.
"I would like to thank other clubs who were interested in signing me including Barcelona and I wish them every success in the future, but I really want to play in the Champions League."
Beckham ended his statement with a tribute to Roy Keane, the United captain.
" wish Manchester United the best of luck, and led by such an inspirational captain as Roy Keane, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength."
I think Figo is on his way out for milan or inter.
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