The Real Deal

When David Beckham moved to Real Madrid in 2003 it captured the imagination of the world's sporting public. The world's most glamorous footballer joined forces with the world's most glamorous club.

Spanish football was about to take on the world. After Beckham's arrival it became the most flamboyant, successful league in the world. And Real Madrid, the relentless, rich and ambitious soccer machine in the Spanish capital, was at the heart of its rise to global glory.

From its early modest amateur beginnings near a bullring to its modern era of star signings, the history of Real Madrid, as told by Jimmy Burns, is one of world football's most absorbing and entertaining stories.

Burns's knowledge of Spanish football and its politics, and access to some of the club legends, makes this a must read for followers of La Liga as well those with a more general interest in Spain.

Jimmy Burns is an award winning journalist and author. His books include the internationally acclaimed 'Hand of God: The Life of Diego Maradona' and 'Barca: A People's Passion'

'The Real Deal' has been brilliantly reviewed.

“There has been a slew of books about Beckham… of which Jimmy Burns’s is the most authoritative.” - Irish Times Weekend Review, October 2004

“Excellent” - Simon Kuper, FT, October 2004

“An absorbing account of Real Madrid’s complex history… well-researched and cleverly written” - World Soccer Magazine, October 2004

“If you thought everything had been said on the subject, think again. Burns, a former Financial Times reporter who was born in Spain, goes far beyond the Beckham phenomenon to look at how Spain became the world’s most exciting football nation, and how its politics, culture and soccer are so intrinsically linked.” - Esquire, October 2004

“An insight into the exciting period when Becks joined Real Madrid in 2003.”

Daily Mirror, 3 September 2004

“A contender for serious football book of the season. This is really a thoughtful and discursive analysis, through football, of modern Spanish society and culture… fascinating and highly likeable.” - Sunday Telegraph, September 2004

“Burns’s obviously superb knowledge of Spanish football, its politics and background make this a must read for all fans of La Liga.” - Sunday Business Post, September 2004

''The Real Deal' was previously published as 'When Beckham Went to Spain in 2004

Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.