Manchester United legend David Beckham admitted that his toughest opponent of all time “used to kick me all over the pitch,” despite later becoming close friends with him.
Beckham, who opened up about his life in a Netflix documentary in 2023, found incredible success during his career at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 48-year-old former United winger shot to superstardom at the Premier League club and was an integral attacking threat in Ferguson’s teams of the past.
Beckham was a key part of the legendary United team that won the treble, with the Red Devils legend falling short of the coveted Ballon d’Or award in 1999.
The Inter Miami co-owner and president is held in high regard by his former teammates, with the likes of Gary Neville often showering him with praise.
Beckham’s legendary club career and successful international run with England saw him cross paths with several iconic figures, including the likes of Zinedine Zidane.
However, not even former Real Madrid teammate Zidane could take his place as Beckham’s toughest opponent, despite playing against him while at United.
Beckham shared his toughest opponent
Beckham crossed paths with Brazil legend Roberto Carlos while he played at United before becoming his club teammate after he signed for Madrid in 2003.
The United legend’s relationship with Ferguson soured towards the end of his playing spell at Old Trafford and Madrid would sign Beckham for a £24.5m fee.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated in 2023, Beckham hailed Carlos as the “most difficult defender” he faced and opened up on how they became close pals at Madrid.
“The most difficult defender I’ve played against [is] Roberto Carlos,” he said.
“He became one of my closest friends at Real Madrid, but I remember playing against him before I joined Real Madrid.
“He used to kick me all over the pitch, but the first one to stand over me and pull me up and with a big smile on his face was Roberto. So, Roberto Carlos.”
Carlos raved about United legend Beckham
Carlos is widely considered one of the best full-backs of all time and the former Madrid star was widely hailed for his exceptional free-kicks.
Beckham, much like Carlos, had a reputation for producing blockbuster moments from his free-kicks and his former Los Blancos teammate knew all too well about it.
Carlos admitted that he would want to see the former Madrid and United star take free-kicks due to the “beautiful” way that Beckham would hit the ball.
“It depended on the position of the ball and the distance,” he told UEFA’s official website in 2009.
“I would shoot it along the short side of the wall or over it and he would shoot wide of the wall or over it.
“I would stand on one side and Beckham on the other but I wanted to see Beckham take the free-kick because it’s beautiful how he hits the ball.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/nEJdhPz