David Beckham reveals how Sir Alex Ferguson helped him through the worst moment in his life
Becks says Manchester United was his ''family'' in his darkest hour as fans turned against the former England captain
DAVID BECKHAM has revealed the aftermath of being sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in England’s quarter-final defeat.
There was a brief hatred towards the ex-Real Madrid wide man, that risked festering for the rest of Beckham’s career, although it passed and all was forgiven, Beckham said it was the worst moment of his life.
Beckham kicked out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone now manager of Atletico Madrid.
Beckham walked off the pitch early in the second half with the scores locked at 2-2, England held on for penalties only to lose and crash out of the World Cup.
Football fans turned on the then 23 year old Beckham, who recalls the dark moment, it was Sir Alex Ferguson who was the first person to come to former United number seven’s aid.
Beckham said when talking to Desert Island Discs: “My family, Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson [got me through].
“The first person to call me was Sir Alex Ferguson. He said ‘son, get back to Manchester, you’ll be fine’ and that gave me strength to get through the toughest time I’ve been through in my life, in my career. I didn’t realise how bad it was going to be…
“I get emotional talking about it, it was such a difficult time.”
England fans in the end forgot about the incident, certainly when Beckham single handily dragged England through to the 2002 World Cup in a 2-2 draw.
Beckham scored a last gasp free-kick in a historic moment at Old Trafford, in one of best England national team moments ever.
England were eventually knocked out by Brazil in the quarter-finals, however Beckham scored a penalty against Argentina in the group stage to win 1-0.