Zidane is the best player ever, says Beckham

Former England captain David Beckham claimed on Sunday that his ex-Real Madrid team-mate Zinedine Zidane is the best player of all time.

The 33-year-old Englishman told sports daily Marca that it had been a dream come true to play alongside Zidane for three years at Real.

“To train with Zidane for three years (2003-06) was a dream,” confessed Beckham, who has been capped over 100 times by his country.

“For me he is the greatest player of all time.”

Beckham, who is now playing for Los Angeles Galaxy, also believed that the best Spanish player at the moment is Barcelona's playmaker Xavi, who inspired Spain to the Euro 2008 title last month and was judged player of the tournament.

However, Beckham also thinks that goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who he knows from his time at Real, should be awarded world player of the year after several outstanding performances at the Euro.

Beckham also denied he wished to become an actor even though he is living in Hollywood but that he would like to return to Madrid – where he still has a house – one day and work with the youth side at Real.