Beckham begs Zidane: Beat Liverpool, please!

Posted Saturday, May 26, 2018 by Marca.com

Two members of Real Madrid's Galacticos team joined forces in a video ahead of the Champions League final, as Zinedine Zidane reunited with David Beckham.

The video, created by the club and Adidas, saw the pair chat about their time together and the Frenchman's success in the dugout.

Even when they were playing together, now over a decade ago, the Champions League was a unique competition for the club.

"It's a very important competition for everyone, for all clubs, but when you look at this club's history and what it has achieved, with the Champions League in particular, you realise it's a very special competition for us," the Real Madrid coach said.

"The most difficult part is to continue to make it as far as we can every time.

"In recent years Real Madrid succeeded in doing so every time.

"The tournament in itself is so incredible, when you mix both the club and this competition.

"It's pure magic."

His former teammate agreed, despite never lifting the trophy whilst in the club's shirt.

"There are certain clubs throughout Europe and throughout the world that have special relationships with big competitions and when you're a Real Madrid player there's something about Champions League nights that are special," Beckham agreed.

"The atmosphere is different, the fans are different, there is an expectancy throughout the club to do well in this competition.

"Real Madrid have had that their whole history, they've had a special relationship with the Champions League."

The duo also addressed the pressure and meaning of wearing the famous Real Madrid shirt.

"This jersey we will wear for the final represents the hard work we put in throughout the whole season," Zidane explained.

"We suffered and worked a lot to make it to the final.

"It means a lot, a lot of sacrifices, a lot of work, a lot of personal investment from everyone.

"It is a massive reward, the icing on the cake to be in the final once again and have the chance to win.

"I felt a lot of pride.

"We know where we are.

"I mean, when you start playing for Real Madrid you know what the club represents and its history.

"Every time I got a chance to put on that iconic white jersey I was very emotional, I thought I had to make the best of it and enjoy every moment because time goes fast.

"I realise that even more today and that's what I say to my players.

"They should live for the moment, intensively and passionately because it goes so fast.

"What they are living now, playing for this club, wearing this shirt, it's very important."

Having come from another European giant, Manchester United, Beckham too recognised that factor.

"You don't realise how important the Real Madrid jersey is until you're wearing it," Beckham explained.

"When you're playing in the stadium, playing with the best, it's an incredible moment to walk out at the Bernabeu wearing that pure white shirt.

"It doesn't get much better than that."

The former No.23 also reflected on some of his greatest memories playing alongside the midfield maestro.

"There are so many, so many memories of this man in the Champions League," Beckham pondered.

"It has to be that goal with his left foot.

"To do something as special as that on the biggest stage in the game, at the biggest moment, there are only certain players that can do that and he's one of those."

Both men have taken different paths since retirement, but remain involved with the game.

"When are you passionate, like David is and like I am, when you love football and have had a career in football...," Zidane reflected.

"Once I decided to become a coach I thought nothing is impossible with a lot of passion, a lot of work and a lot of will.

"Being a coach for Real Madrid I knew we could achieve a lot of great things.

"Now I must say that when I put an end to my career as a football player I did not think that I would be a manager one day.

"You should never say never, as life is full of surprises and things happen and when you believe in your dreams it makes them happen."

Finally, Beckham had one favour to ask of his friend.

"I want to say congratulations to Zizou because so far it's been incredible for Real Madrid to have been successful as a player and now to be successful as the boss, the big boss, is incredible," Beckham said.

"So I just want to wish Zizou, the boss, the president, the club good luck in the Champions League and please beat Liverpool, please!"