One Manchester United legend has been hailed as the best player Roberto Carlos played with at Real Madrid, with the Brazilian icon praising qualities the public didn't see
David Beckham and Roberto Carlos talk prior to the Soccer Aid for Unicef 2021 match
Roberto Carlos has hailed David Beckham as his best Real Madrid team-mate
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Roberto Carlos has hailed David Beckham as the finest player he shared a pitch with during his time at Real Madrid. The former Brazil international, who also took a pretty mean free-kick himself, praised the Englishman's unseen dedication and work ethic.
The recently knighted Beckham, now 50, left an illustrious career at Manchester United in 2003 to join the ranks of Real Madrid's Galacticos. Despite not achieving the same level of success as he did in Manchester, Beckham still clinched a La Liga title in 2007 and a Spanish Super Cup before heading to LA Galaxy.
However, it may come as a surprise to many that legendary defender Carlos, who served Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, singled out Beckham as the best team-mate he had in Spain, attributing this to Beckham's commitment and professionalism often overlooked by the public.
"Beckham, of course Beckham," Carlos revealed on The Obi One Podcast when asked about the best player he played with. "[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.
"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.
David Beckham and team-mate Roberto Carlos of Real Madrid both prepare for a free-kick
Carlos was impressed by Beckham's character
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"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 went on to praise Beckham's commitment to his team-mates, which he said earned him great respect within the squad and from the Brazilian hero.
"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," Carlos added.
"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."
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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Now an ambassador for Real Madrid, Carlos continues to promote the same team-first attitude that Beckham exemplified. He said: "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."