Aljo mentioned the clash 20 years later while speaking to Beckham, with the Manchester United legend claiming he remembered their first meeting. And when Aljo mentioned this anecdote during an appearance on the podcast The Rest Is Football, both Micah Richards and Gary Lineker had very different views on the matter.
“Well, the opening game (of the Club World Cup) was great, and we had the opening ceremony,” she said. “There were fireworks, there was a French Montana performance… then the players came out one by one and Beckham was there. Sorry, Sir David Beckham was there.”
“I congratulated him on his knighthood and asked him if he remembered me from when I interviewed him at Real Madrid many years ago. He said yes, but the jury is out on that.”
Beckham, 50, has developed a knack for public relations over the years and rarely grimaces in interviews. And even Aljo doubted the validity of his answer while recounting the story of their encounter in America.
“He was lying. He was lying. He was definitely lying,” Richards replied, a smile creeping onto his face. However, Lineker was inclined to believe Beckham given his recent honors, adding: “Knights don’t lie, Alex. Knights of the realm don’t lie!”
Taking matters a step further, former England international and Manchester City defender Richards sent Beckham a text message offering to get to the bottom of the matter. Alan Shearer, also a regular on the pod show, responded: “Listen to him, ‘I can email him for you.’ You’re such a jerk!”
Five months later, Beckham’s lifelong dream has become a reality after a ceremony in Windsor this week. Wife Victoria was in attendance to witness her husband’s contributions to sports and charity work, while sons Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper were also in attendance to witness the event.
“I couldn’t be more proud. People know how patriotic I am. I love my country,” Bex said after Tuesday’s march. “I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family. I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world and all people want to talk about is our monarchy. That makes me proud.”
