Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Few players can boast the kind of CV that David Beckham earned during an illustrious 21-year playing career.
Winning leagues in four countries, the former England captain enjoyed a globe-trotting two decades that saw him become one of, if not the, most famous athlete on the planet.
But despite seeing him in some of the most iconic shirts in world football, the sight of David Beckham in Arsenal training gear is still one that needs a second glance.
Beckham commands huge respect in the English game and that was perhaps most clearly shown with Arsene Wenger’s willingness to bring him into training on two occasions.
Firstly in 2008, the legendary Gunners boss allowed him to keep fit after his first season in the States, before welcoming him back to London Colney in January 2013.
The United legend was looking to maintain fitness after his final campaign with the Galaxy had come to an end. A number of Premier League clubs were linked with a move for Beckham, although Wenger suggested Arsenal weren’t one of them.
“He called me,” Wenger explained. “He has 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.”
Asked how it would benefit his club, he added: “Nothing. To help somebody. We are open for people who behave well when they come here.”
However, after Beckham announced his retirement following a spell in France, Wenger did admit there was a time when he looked at the option of signing him.
“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.”
Had an offer ever been formally lodged, it would have tested Beckham’s resolve, who had previously stated he would never play for another Premier League club other than Manchester United.
Either way, the idea of Beckham linking up with the likes of Olivier Giroud, Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla remains something that could have been truly special.
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