David Beckham convinces Gary Neville to get tattoo for 50th birthday as Man Utd legend weighs up 'devil and lion' design

Ex-England captain Beckham, who burst onto the scene at Old Trafford when graduating in the same Class of ‘92 as close friend Neville, has covered his body with various inkings down the years. He has now been able to talk former Red Devils defender turned Sky Sports pundit Neville into going under the needle.

Neville, who celebrated a notable birthday on February 18, has revealed that he has a bucket list of experiences to work through – including watching the Ashes in Australia, visiting Oktoberfest in Munich, snowbiking in Canada and travelling along Scotland’s North Coast 500 route in a campervan.

He also wants to get a tattoo, with Beckham nudging him in that direction. Neville has told the Stick to Football podcast brought to you by Sky Bet: “I think Becks is getting me the tattoo for my birthday because he’s a specialist in tattoos. You go and meet the guy and see. I don’t know whether to get some writing or like a devil and a lion, a United, England thing.”

Beckham, who is now working with Lionel Messi as a co-owner at MLS side Inter Miami, has sent a number of birthday messages to Neville. In one of those, he said: “I can’t believe you’re 50 now – we all thought you were 50 at 17 years old with the cars you drove and the clothes you wore. But all joking aside mate, have the best time. I really can’t believe we’re all turning 50, but I’m sending lots of love and we’ll have a nice glass of wine to celebrate. Happy birthday mate and enjoy it!” He also pointed out that “we did it all” when including memorable images from their playing career together in a social media post.

IG:@davidbeckham

Devil and lion designs make the most sense for Neville as he spent his entire club career with United, taking in 602 appearances while winning eight Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns. He also earned 85 caps for England.