I’m not broke insists Becker (despite his bankruptcy)

HE was declared bankrupt in June over a £3million debt. But Boris Becker says it is ‘crazy’ to think he is broke.

Despite reportedly earning in the region of £100million during his career, the former tennis world No 1 is rumoured to have run up tens of millions in debt. But the three-time Wimbledon champion, 49, has insisted that he can still pay his way.

Becker, pictured, said: ‘It’s crazy to think I’m broke. I have enough national and international deals to earn an income that will allow me to pay my staff on time and carry on my life as normal. I’m going to Zurich this evening, I’m going to check into a hotel and pay my own bill. If I was insolvent, I couldn’t do that. If I take a taxi, I’ll pay for it. And believe me, I haven’t stolen a thing.’

Becker claimed the reason he is yet to pay his debt to a private banking group was due to a dispute over the interest rate. He was pursued in the English courts, which declared him bankrupt earlier this year in London.

But during an interview with a Swiss newspaper, Becker was keen to defend his worth, saying: ‘My name, my brand are more current than they have been for 20 years. If you’re looking for publicity, you hire Boris Becker. Attention guaranteed.’