David Beckham is an England and Manchester United icon but one of his former Real Madrid team-mates has shed light on something the public didn't see
Roberto Carlos and David Beckham playing for Real Madrid
Roberto Carlos says David Beckham was his best team-mate at Real Madrid
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Roberto Carlos says David Beckham was the best he played with at Real Madrid. The Brazilian icon also admits the public didn't see just how good a team-mate the Englishman was.
The recently-knighted 50-year-old left his legendary spell with Manchester United behind in 2003 when he made a blockbuster switch to the Spanish capital and joined Real Madrid as the latest Galactico signing.
Although his time in Madrid was not as successful as his spell in Manchester, he still managed to secure a La Liga title in 2007 and a Spanish Super Cup before leaving for LA Galaxy.
However, many would be surprised to learn that iconic defender Carlos, who played for Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, named Beckham as the best player he teamed up with in Spain thanks to an attitude not often seen by the general public.
"Beckham, of course Beckham," said Carlos on The Obi One Podcast when asked who the best player he played alongside was. "[Zinedine] Zidane was top.
"But David Beckham was a close friend of mine and a role model. The best in training and the best during games. Running all the time and making incredible passes. He played with all his heart.
David Beckham and team-mate Roberto Carlos of Real Madrid both prepare for a free-kick
Carlos had some kidn words for former team-mate Beckham
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"No matter what people say about Ronaldo, Zidane, Raul, Luis Figo, in the four years of the Galacticos, in my opinion Beckham was the most consistent and the best.
"Beckham was for the team. Beckham would attack and defend. He would pass. He did everything the team needed. Things that the public didn't see but we as a team on the pitch saw all these attributes."
Carlos continued, adding that Beckham's desire to support his fellow players earned admiration from his team-mates, which is what made the Brazilian respect him so much.
"He was very special. Beckham didn't play for the fans. He played for Real Madrid. For his team-mates, to win. That is what we value the most," added Carlos.
Sir David Beckham poses with his wife Lady Victoria after he was made a Knight Bachelor at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle
Beckham was knighted last month
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"That was the difference between him and other players. He thought about the team while others just played for themselves. There is a huge difference. He is English, full concentration with or without the ball, great mentality and a team player.
"Having Beckham at Real Madrid with his quality, his footwork, his assists, his free kicks was just spectacular. For me, he was very complete."
Carlos is now an ambassador for Real Madrid and he continues to teach the same attitude that Beckham held. Carlos added: "Now I am an ambassador for the club.
"I travel around the world to represent it. I work more now than when I played football. Madrid is the first club in the world to have former players represent its name.
"We also teach academy players and new first-team players to understand what Real Madrid is. I miss training and playing at the highest level. I miss it a lot."
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