Former Arsenal boss and Premier League legend Arsené Wenger has revealed the details behind his desire to sign former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham and why it never happened.
The Mirror reports that Wenger said : “He called me, he asked to come here and to work on his fitness. He has not done anything for a long, long time. [It’s] purely for fitness. There’s no speculation about signing or anything.”
When Wenger asked the former England captain how his presence would help the club Becks said: “Nothing. To help somebody.”
To which Wenger replied: “We are open for people who behave well when they come here.”
Beckham did eventually go to work on his fitness and Wenger ended up signing for PSG where he would retire.
After Becks announced his retirement Wenger admitted that there was a moment when he considered the option of signing Beckham.
“Yes I was [interested in signing him], but it was at the period where we could not afford to pay him. After that it was a question mark as well before he went to Milan, but he was in a position where we did not really need players.
“It was always a pleasure to have him here for his attitude and behaviour, he gained respect from everybody through his dedication and commitment.”