'David Beckham is with adidas because of me!' - Gary Neville claims credit for Man Utd legend & Inter Miami co-owner forging iconic ties with manufacturers of Predator boots

Former Red Devils and England star Beckham entered into a long-term agreement with adidas back in 2003. He had already been part of that sponsorship stable for some time prior to that, with Beckham becoming the face, body and feet of the iconic three-striped brand in the late 1990s.

Beckham is now synonymous with adidas and proved to be the perfect PR machine for offerings such as the famous Predator boot line. But it is Neville – who was never quite as flashy on and off the pitch - that claims to have first introduced Beckham to the footwear that helped to enhance his image and make him a global superstar.

Ex-United defender Neville has told the Red Devils’ social media channels: “Do you know something? You know David Beckham is with adidas because of me. I gave him his first pair of Predators in the USA in 1994. And that is a true story my friends at adidas. I don’t get the actual recognition I deserve for that!”

Beckham is still tied to adidas and they are the kit manufacturers for the Inter Miami MLS franchise that he now co-owns. They also have a long-term contract with Lionel Messi in place, and the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has linked up with Beckham in Florida.