Revealed: Barcelona’s Interest In David Beckham Was Only A Political Bluff

Barcelona were interested in Manchester United’s David Beckham in 2003. Now, it’s turned out it was a bluff.

According to Barcelona’s former presidential candidate Lluis Bassat, it was only a propaganda aimed at helping Joan Laporta win the 2003 presidential elections.

The Catalan club were heavily linked with the signature of Beckham, with reports even claiming a deal was already in place back then.

Instead he ended up with bitter rivals, Real Madrid.

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So after over 18 years, Bassat has put the records straight.

“Something happened because a few days before the elections I had 42 per cent in voting intention while Laporta had just nine per cent.”, the 79-year-old revealed to Catalunya Radio in comments carried by Mundo Deportivo .

“Then I called the head of the advertising agency that manages the Manchester United account, the Ogilvy group. This person had a few days ago offered, in my office, to find sponsors for Barcelona like he was already doing with United.

“I called this man and said ‘Laporta says he has signed Beckham.’ He told me ‘no, no, he is already signed by
Madrid’.”

It is somewhat interesting, this sham of a transfer. Anyway that Barca team of 2003 were too good to also have Beckham even, so I do not feel sorry.

Laporta had his game played to perfection, but was it (toil with emotions of the fanbase) a right thing to do? I will leave that for you to decide.

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