"Every team that he's played for, he has created a legacy for himself" - David Beckham heaps praise on Cristiano Ronaldo
Football legend David Beckham has heaped praise on Cristiano Ronaldo while in conversation with former teammate Rio Ferdinand on the latter's YouTube channel. In a video released on Thursday, October 17, the two former England and Manchester United teammates reminisced about their playing days.
Ronaldo too came up in conversation although the trio had narrowly missed out on playing together under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. The iconic Portuguese forward, who is considered to be among the best in the world, also played at Real Madrid, joining two years after Beckham left for the MLS.
In 2003, Ronaldo was signed from Sporting CP after Sir Alex watched him play against the Red Devils in a friendly game. He became a direct replacement for Beckham, who had left earlier that season for Real Madrid. Ronaldo was also given the number seven shirt eventually that the England international previously donned.
"He's had an unbelievable career, every team that he's played for, he has created a legacy for himself. He has had an incredible career, firstly with United and then with Madrid; then obviously with Portugal as well. That's an incredible career to look back on for him," Beckham said in the video to Ferdinand.
Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham played at the same clubs, but never together
Ronaldo and Beckham were often seen as similar-minded players, with an impressive right foot as well as a range of passing that left their opponents clueless. The crossing abilities of both were otherworldly, as were their free-kick-taking capabilities.
Beckham, a product of the Manchester United youth system, left for Real Madrid in the summer of 2003. Ronaldo arrived the same summer to take the former's place on the right wing and infuse a bit of pace. His decision-making on the wings as well as abilities in front of goal impressed Sir Alex a lot.
Ronaldo later moved to Real Madrid in 2009, where Beckham had plied his trade till 2007 before moving to Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS. The Portugal international became a legend at Madrid, before moving to Juventus and earning several plaudits there. He now plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.