Aljoe referenced the run-in while chatting with Beckham two decades on, and the Manchester United legend insisted he recalled their initial encounter. And both Micah Richards and Gary Lineker had very different takes on the matter when Aljoe mentioned the anecdote during an appearance on The Rest Is Football podcast.
“Well, that opening game [at the Club World Cup] was amazing, they had an opening ceremony as well,” she said. “[There were] fireworks, French Montana performing… then the players came out one by one, Beckham was there. Sorry, Sir David Beckham was there.
“I congratulated him on his knighthood and asked if he remembered me from years ago, when I interviewed him at Real Madrid. He said, ‘Yes’, but the jury’s out on that one.”
Beckham, 50, has developed a knack for public relations over the years and rarely looks ruffled in interview situations. And even Aljoe doubted the validity of his answer as she retold the story of their meeting in the States.
A smirk then crept onto the face of Richards as he answered: “He was lying. He was lying, he was definitely lying.” Lineker was more inclined to believe Beckham in light of his latest honour, however, as he added: “Knights don’t lie, Alex. Knights of the realm do not lie!”
Taking things one step further, former England and Manchester City defender Richards offered to text Beckham and get to the bottom of the issue. To that, fellow pod regular Alan Shearer responded: “Listen to him, ‘I can text him for you’. What a k*** you are!”
Five months later, and Beckham’s long-held dream has become a reality following this week’s ceremony at Windsor. Wife Victoria was in attendance to see her husband’s contributions to sport and charity, while sons Romeo and Cruz, as well as daughter Harper, were also on hand to witness the event.
“I couldn’t be prouder. People know how patriotic I am – I love my country,” said Becks after Tuesday’s procession. “I’ve always said how important the monarchy is to my family. I’m lucky enough to have travelled around the world, and all people want to talk to me about is our monarchy. It makes me proud.”
