Manchester United icon David Beckham explains how NBA legends Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson influenced his career

Manchester United icon David Beckham has revealed he wore the numbers 23 and 32 in the latter stages of his career because of NBA legends Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.

During his time at Old Trafford, Beckham wore a selection of numbers but became known for wearing the No.7 jersey. Of course, the shirt at United has been blessed by the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo, and holds a special place in Beckham's heart after his hero Bryan Robson wore it.

However, when he moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2003, Beckham had to come to the realisation he could not inherit the No.7 shirt in La Liga. Fortunately, his love of basketball gave him inspiration for another number.

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He explained to Classic Football Shirts: "I moved to Real Madrid and the No.7 was Raul and I would never, obviously, even think about asking him for the No.7, I would have never have got it anyway. So I just asked: 'What are the numbers that are available?' And they said all of the numbers which were available and I don't think 23 was one of them but I said I was a huge fan of Jordan and I always loved him and I'm a big admirer of him so I asked: 'Can I have 23?' And they said yeah and that is how it all started."

From Madrid, Beckham moved to the MLS in what was a landmark transfer to LA Galaxy. Despite holding more power in the US, the midfielder was still reluctant to force another player to swap their shirt number with him.

He added: "I actually loved the thought of wearing 23 in America. The connection with Jordan and how important the No.23 was I just felt it was the right thing to do to wear