Paris St Germain lashed out at David Beckham’s critics after he cleared all doubts about his conditioning and performance level with an excellent showing for his first start with his new side on Wednesday.

The former England captain, who made a cameo debut of 15 minutes for PSG in Sunday’s home league victory over Olympique Marseille, featured for 86 minutes in the French Cup last 16 victory over the same opponent.

Sports director Leonardo took the opportunity to hit out at all those who have questioned the real motives of Beckham’s signing on a five-month deal and suggested it was only a marketing coup.

“You said it - we signed him only to take pictures, to set news conference and sell shirts,” he said. “It’s up to you to judge. You, the experts, who know soccer.”

Beckham looked rejuvenated to his coach Carlo Ancelotti, who praised his new player’s excellent performance with a softer tone than Leonardo.

“He made a very good game. He showed that he can play. I think that he did not look like he was 37 tonight,” the Italian told the post-match news conference with a rare smile.

Ancelotti commented more on the game during which Beckham completed the more passes throughout the game, created a couple of chances from his neat set-pieces and also took his part in the defensive work in a deep midfield position.

“He made good passes as usual, he was well positioned on the pitch alongside Blaise Matuidi. He was very solid,” he said.

“He can bring a lot of things, his passing skills, his experience, his (aggressiveness).”

The Englishman himself, who had not played for three months before making his appearance three days ago, said he had “enjoyed” his first start.

“It’s always nice to start. I really enjoy playing in this team, with special players like these ones,” he said. “If I am tired ? Not really. I feel good though I certainly am not ready to play 90 minutes.”   

He lasted for fully 85 minutes before being taken off to a deafening ovation from a full house at the Parc des Princes as the capital club once again won 2-0.

Beckham admitted that he enjoyed sampling the occasion, which included having the chance to go directly up against compatriot Joey Barton.

There was a coming together of the two players at one point in the first half but, despite Barton’s notoriously short temper, Beckham laughed off the incident as just one of several clashes all over the pitch as the game was played out in a highly-charged atmosphere.

“I did get a little elbow from Joey, but it was nothing really,” he said. “He does well for them and is a talented player so good luck to him.

“It was quite spiky out there tonight, but it was like that at the weekend too, and it is just part of the game when you consider the rivalry between the clubs.”

Nothing that Beckham does goes unnoticed, but his performance could be best described as quietly efficient, albeit infused with moments of real quality.

Among the flashes of inspiration was a trademark long ball for Ibrahimovic in the build-up to the second goal.

“I was just very happy to play tonight and to help set up goals for others,” he added, having also been involved in the build-up to PSG’s decisive second goal against OM on Sunday.

“I had a slight hand in the second goal on Sunday and again here so I’m happy.

“I came here knowing that I wouldn’t be in the team from the word go. We have a good team and I want to add something to it. “If that means starting then great, and if it means being on the bench then great.

“I played in some big games in the USA but you always miss being involved in big games like this in Europe,” he added, with his mind turning to next week’s Champions League last 16, second leg, clash against Valencia.

“It is a while since I played in the Champions League so I am excited. It is a big game for the club but it doesn’t mean that it will be easy.”

PSG go into that game with a 2-1 lead from the first leg in Spain, and coach Carlo Ancelotti could be tempted to throw the 37-year-old straight into his side for the match at the Parc des Princes after being impressed by what he saw against Marseille.

“Sometimes he will play, and sometimes he will be on the bench,” said the Italian, who will be without Ibrahimovic for the game against Valencia due to suspension.