Former Real Madrid star Michel Salgado has lifted the lid on David Beckham’s turbulent time in the Spanish capital, revealing how the England legend’s wife Victoria’s frequent travels left him feeling isolated and irritated Salgado’s own wife.
Salgado, who was tasked with “babysitting” Beckham during his three-year stint at the Bernabeu, said the former Manchester United midfielder would constantly call him, eager to go out and socialise. “But my wife was really p***ed off with the situation,” Salgado admitted.
The Spaniard also shed light on Beckham’s strained relationship with then-Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello. In his Netflix documentary, Beckham recounted how Capello’s strict management style made him “nervous” and how the Italian’s decision to bench both him and Ronaldo “killed” him.
Beckham’s situation eventually led to his move to LA Galaxy, with the player recalling how Capello bluntly told him he would “never play for Real Madrid again” after hearing rumours of the Englishman’s talks with other clubs.
Despite the ups and downs, Salgado fondly remembered his time “babysitting” Beckham and fellow English import Steve McManaman, who he was also tasked with looking after due to the language barrier.
“I was the one to babysit the English guys,” Salgado said. “But in the end, it was great. I was the one to babysit the English guys.”
