Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham feels “blessed” to have played with the likes of Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Eric Cantona.
The former England captain considers himself fortunate to have spent time with two of world football’s biggest clubs during periods of great success achieved with iconic players.
Beckham slips into that category himself, as one of the most recognisable figures in the game and a man who won major honours in England, Spain, America and France over the course of a glittering career.
He is, however, prepared to admit that he considers many of his former team-mates to have been bigger stars, with World and PFA Players of the Year making his life easier at Old Trafford and Santiago Bernabeu.
Speaking at a World Aids Day charity gala, the 42-year-old said: “I’ve been so lucky throughout my career. My career lasted for 22 years and I was able to play for some of the best teams, with some of the best players and some of the best managers in the game.
“I feel blessed to have played with players like Zidane, Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, all these players, Eric Cantona.
“Nothing compares to playing with those guys I grew up with because it’s a special thing.”
While reflecting on events of the past, Beckham has also been looking to the future.
As a man who earned 115 caps for England in his playing days, he will be an interested observer of next summer’s World Cup finals in Russia.
The Three Lions have learned that they will face Belgium, Panama and Tunisia at the group stage, with an unbeaten qualification campaign helping to raise expectations.
Beckham, though, has warned against complacency, with England having shown at recent major international competitions that they can take nothing for granted.
He told Omnisport: “We always say, as England players, when you get to a World Cup, you know whatever team you are drawn against, there’s no easy games. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true.
“When you come up against the teams that we’re obviously up against, five years ago, 10 years ago, it doesn’t change. Every game’s a tough game. When you reach this stage, it’s all important.”