Ronaldo: David Beckham 'one of the best of all time' - the only Englishman who could have played for Brazil

David Beckham made 159 appearances for Real Madrid
AFP via Getty Images
Matt Davies11 April 2020

Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo has hailed former team-mate David Beckham as "one of the best of all time".

The prolific pair spent four years together at Los Blancos after Beckham joined the club in 2003 and were an integral part of the superstar team known as the ‘Galacticos'.

Speaking on an Instagram live, Ronaldo and Beckham remembered their glory days, also joined by fellow team-mates Luis Figo, Iker Casillas and Roberto Carlos.

Beckham - who assisted nine of Ronaldo's 177 Madrid goals - this time turned the recipient as the 43-year-old reeled off some rather complimentary words.

"For me, you were one of the best of all time in the centre, the way you touch the ball, could put the ball wherever you want, and without looking at me the ball would come," Ronaldo said.

AFP via Getty Images

"I should thank you for many balls you gave to me. You were amazing."

Beckham - who now owns the recently established Miami FC in the US - talked of the difficulties of moving from Manchester to Madrid, also reminiscing on a particular compliment the Brazilian paid him during their playing days.

"To move from Manchester United to Real Madrid was a big move for me because I'd been there my whole life," Beckham said.

"But one of the first people that I ever saw was you. When you walked into the changing room it made me feel comfortable to be in the club.

"I remember you turning around to me and saying that the Brazil squad believed that if there was any English player that could play in the Brazilian team it would be me, but I never believed you!"

The pair helped Real win LaLiga in 2007 and will forever be a part of one of the most fearsome starting XI's of all time.

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