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Joey Barton. David Vincent/AP/Press Association Images

Am I bothered? Joey Barton says David Beckham doesn't worry him ahead of French reunion

“Beckham is a big star off the pitch but on the pitch, to be honest, he’s not a major worry”

JOEY BARTON HAS had plenty to say about David Beckham today.

The former Man Utd and Real Madrid midfielder is set for his first Ligue 1 run out since joining Paris Saint Germain against Barton’s Marseille on Sunday.

“PSG have lots of big names and great players. Beckham is a big star off the pitch but on the pitch, to be honest, he’s not a major worry,” Barton, on loan at the Velodrome from Queens Park Rangers, suggested at a press conference here on Tuesday.

“He triggers a lot less fear than when he was playing in the Premier League,” Barton added of the former Old Trafford icon.

Barton is approaching his first French ‘clasico’ since his arrival at Marseille at the start of the season from Premier League strugglers QPR. For the controversial English midfielder, Marseille, five points off leaders PSG, are still in with a shout of claiming the title.

“Yes, why not? This season has already served up lots of surprises. We’re not the type to lie down, nor are Lyon.”

Marseille face two trips to their bitter rivals’ Parc des Princes in the space of three days – Sunday’s league game followed by a last 16 French Cup tie next Wednesday.

And Barton ventured: “If we take maximum points in Paris and we do the same in the French Cup (against PSG again) that would make a big difference. We’ll be back to two points, and then they (PSG) have to play Valencia (in the Champions League).”

For the former Newcastle player: “This coming week can change our season. Everything changes if we win these two games.”

- © AFP, 2013

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    Mute Stephen McB
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    Feb 19th 2013, 4:26 PM

    It’s a shame he still hasn’t learned to STFU.

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    Mute Eric Riordan
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    Feb 19th 2013, 5:40 PM

    Beckham is probably still a better player than Joey.

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    Mute James Meehan
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    Feb 19th 2013, 8:28 PM

    and an all round better human being than that oxygen thief

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    Mute Baxter Malone
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    Feb 19th 2013, 3:37 PM

    Barton if he was not a footballer he would be serving a long time at one of her Majesty’s hotel’s.

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    Mute David O'Sullivan
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    Feb 19th 2013, 5:19 PM

    He has a point, Beckham is too old to be a force on the field in professional football. Barton is a dick though.

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    Mute Baxter Malone
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    Feb 19th 2013, 3:38 PM

    Oh if you have not seen it youtube his french accent. Sounds like the policeman from allo allo.

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