Manchester United icon and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham, commended Arsenal for their dominant Champions League victory over Real Madrid. He expressed his delight at seeing an English team advance to the semi-finals of the competition. Arsenal secured a convincing 5-1 aggregate win against Real Madrid, reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2009. They are also the first English club to reach this stage since Manchester City`s Champions League win two years prior. Despite his past affiliations with Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain (Arsenal`s next opponent), Beckham conveyed his happiness for Arsenal, partly due to his son`s strong support for the club.
Speaking on the `UEFA Champions League Today` post-match show, Beckham said, `It`s fantastic to see an English team in the semi-finals.` He added, `If they progress, defeat PSG, and reach the final, it would be truly special for Arsenal as a club, for Mikel Arteta as manager, and for the team`s Champions League performances this year. While my son is a keen supporter and I wish them well, they face PSG next, and I know who I`ll be supporting then. Nevertheless, we always want English teams to succeed. It`s a very special competition.`
Beckham further lauded Arsenal`s performance over the two legs against Real Madrid, even though watching the games with his Arsenal-supporting son and his son`s friend created a slightly amusing situation.
Regarding Real Madrid, Beckham commented, `Many anticipated a comeback. That was the talk in Madrid leading up to the game. But in reality, over both matches, Arsenal were the deserved winners. Their performance was complete – excellent individual displays, great teamwork, and superb management by Mikel Arteta. They earned their victory. I expected a stronger response from Real Madrid, but it wasn`t to be. Arsenal controlled the game effectively, with outstanding performances across the defense and exceptional contributions from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka away from home.`
Adrian Whitmore