23 November 2023 , 20:48
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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has revealed that it was his decision for the MLS side to wear bright pink shirts - despite being advised to choose another colour.
The decision by the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder has proved to be fruitful, with the shirt becoming one of the most iconic looks in recent years. However, it was not fully backed by the club to begin with.
Beckham made the decision after establishing the Eastern Conference MLS team back in 2018. The year saw the club create and unveil the team name, colours and crest consisting of two white herons with a three-pointed shield - representing the main communities of South Florida: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
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Explaining why he chose pink to be the team's primary colour, the six-time Premier League winner explained to The Times: "Drive around Miami and it’s a very recurring colour.
"At the time a lot of people were saying 'don’t go for pink.' 'I was the one who said it has to be the main colour. So that was me. I’m actually very proud of it. I am glad I held my nerve and pushed it through."
Messi was presented with the shirt upon his arrival to Inter Miami (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)Beckham's decision may not have directly influenced the team's results, but the shirt has been worn by a number of superstar players over the years. The club has made the wise decision to take advantage of out-of-contract players in the market which has proved to be a successful strategy.
Back in the 2020/21 season, Miami sought deals for Juventus duo Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi. The pair were free agents after their contracts with the Serie A giants had expired and brought a wealth of experience to the team.
Higuain had enjoyed successful spells at the Italian side and Real Madrid - winning three La Liga titles and three Serie A titles along the way. Matuidi also enjoyed the same success at Juventus, but had also won five Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain and the 2018 World Cup with France.
Despite their success, it pales in comparison to the team's latest superstar recruits who are donning the pink shirt - Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi. The former Barcelona trio won the 2014/15 Champions League together, as well as five LaLiga titles and five Spanish Cups.
Messi's individual achievements eclipse those of his teammates, with eight Ballon d'Or awards and a recent World Cup win with Argentina.
"I promised the fans and people of Miami that I wanted to bring some of the best players in the world," Beckham added while speaking on Messi's arrival. "I am sure every owner says that but, from day one, he was the dream player I wanted to bring to Miami.
"I see him in our kit, I watch him train and play, and I can’t believe that we have Lionel Messi in our club."