The sorcerer hired to bring injury to Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo was also asked to target David Beckham. 'Pepe', based near Malaga, says he has been practising for many years and has often been approached to target footballers, including Barcelona star Lionel Messi and several former Real Madrid players.

"Other people have called me to do the same to Messi, but I refuse. One woman asked me to go against Beckham and (Brazilian) Ronaldo, (Esteban) Cambiasso, (Fabio) Cannavaro..."

Ronaldo's mother Dolores Aveiro insists the claims are bogus but there are fears that the story could play on the mind of the former Manchester United star as much as the actual magic.