Rio Ferdinand and Gabriel Batistuta felt the same way about one of the most infamous moments in the legendary playing career of England and Manchester United legend Sir David Beckham.
Sir David Beckham was a key figure on the international stage with England, despite never winning any major silverware with the Three Lions in his prolific playing spell.
The 50-year-old Manchester United legend captained his country and also represented England at different World Cups and European Championships.
Rio Ferdinand played alongside Beckham at Old Trafford and for England, with the Red Devils legend recently linking up with Gabriel Batistuta and revisiting one key incident.
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Rio Ferdinand and Gabriel Batistuta react to Diego Simeone vs Sir David Beckham in England’s 1998 defeat to Argentina
Sir David Beckham went from England hero to zero during the 1998 World Cup tournament after his infamous red card at the hands of Diego Simeone.
The former Manchester United superstar kicked out in the direction of Diego Simeone after he was fouled by the then-Argentina captain in the clash.
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Simeone was booked for his initial challenge on the ex-England star, but Beckham felt the full brunt of his actions after he was sent off in the round-of-16 clash.
Gabriel Batistuta was teammates with Simeone for Argentina and the 57-year-old legendary former Argentine striker recalled the incident involving Beckham.
“There was a problem then with Beckham and Simeone,” he said on Rio Ferdinand Presents.
Responding to Batistuta, Ferdinand added: “Yeah, yeah. Big problem. Big problem.”
Batistuta added: “Yeah, big problem.”
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Rio Ferdinand and Gabriel Batistuta agree ‘crazy’ Diego Simeone knew exactly what he was doing against England
England were knocked out of the 1998 World Cup in a penalty shootout defeat to Argentina, with Beckham becoming public enemy No 1 for his actions at the time.
“This almost finished Beckham, because when he came to England, I don’t know if you know, the England fans were against Beckham,” Ferdinand added.
“So, it was crazy.”
Defending former Man Utd and England winger Beckham, Batistuta responded: “But it was not his fault. No.”
Ferdinand suggested that Simeone put on a full theatrical performance to Beckham’s challenge and Batistuta refused to defend his former Argentina teammate’s actions.
“Simeone played the game,” he said.
Batistuta added: “Yeah. Crazy guy. Good to have him with you.”
Responding to Batistuta, Ferdinand continued: “Crazy guy. Yeah.”
Beckham netted 17 times and registered 42 assists in his 115 matches for the Three Lions before the Man Utd legend retired from playing football in 2013.
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