David Beckham is seen during a practice session with Paris Saint-Germain soccer team in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris, Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. David Beckham started his first practice session with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday amid a media frenzy as dozens of camera crews and photographers jostled for position at the club's training ground in the western suburbs of Paris. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (The Associated Press)
MARSEILLE, France – Marseille midfielder Joey Barton says David Beckham is no longer a much-feared opponent and that Paris Saint-Germain's star signing will not pose a major threat when the French title rivals meet Sunday.
The former England captain is set to make his debut for PSG after joining the team in late January for five months.
On Wednesday, Barton said: "As big a star as Beckham is off the pitch ... realistically he doesn't put the fear of God into you anymore like he used to when he played in the Premier League."
Barton says: "No disrespect to him, but if he does manage to play for Paris (he) will probably not be the main concern for us as a defensive unit."
Barton adds "it would be naive of us to focus on David Beckham."
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.