Wales’s legendary centre-forward, Mark Hughes is the subject of a brand-new documentary on BBC iPlayer and BBC One Wales on Tuesday, 7th January at 10.40pm; the first episode in a new series of Legends of Welsh Sport.
David Beckham’s tributes to Mark Hughes are glowing. “There are certain players that played for United over the years that set the tone of the club. We were able to learn from players like Mark. That is why Mark is part of Manchester United history,” says Beckham.
Focusing on his club career with two European super clubs – Manchester United and Barcelona – this half hour documentary features interviews with some of the biggest names in British football; Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, Gary Lineker who each have their unique take on his brilliance on the pitch and his quiet, introverted nature off it.
‘Sparky’ Mark Hughes also gives his take on a tumultuous time in his career from his fall from grace at Barcelona to becoming an icon when he rejoined his former club Manchester United.
Wrexham-born Hughes started his rise to the top at United after being plucked from the amateur leagues of Ruabon, near Wrexham. After announcing himself in Manchester as a major talent he was sold to Spanish giants Barcelona who bought him alongside Britain’s other great striking talent Gary Lineker. Lineker thrived in Spain, but Hughes struggled.
As well as lifting a lid on his short-term troubles at Barça, the documentary reveals how David Beckham revered the centre-forward as a young Manchester United fan. Labelling him a ‘hero’ he recounts his devastation when Hughes left for Barcelona and his delight when – many years later as a Manchester United player himself – he wore the number 10 shirt, following in his hero’s footsteps.
