Beckham brought in 'marketing era' to Real Madrid

As part of the documentary looking back at Real Madrid's history and inner-workings, chapter three has revealed details of the signing of David Beckham back in 2003.

Manchester United's relationship with Beckham had grown strained, not least after the infamous 'boot-kicking' incident which followed the club's FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in the 2002/03 season.

A separation was imminent and despite Joan Laporta's promises, there was only one destination which made sense, the most marketable footballer on the planet was going to join the highest-profile club. David Beckham was going to Real Madrid.

"The plan was to make Real Madrid the most successful team, but also the richest," Jorge Valdano admitted.

"We began to sell every player we could, then to make things work we had to compensate that with academy products.

"We jumped the limit the day we signed Beckham, he unbalanced the relationship between football and marketing, that's the problem with revolutions, the person who starts them often has no idea how they will end."