Post by Taxigirl on Dec 3, 2003 10:38:12 GMT
David Beckham admitted he has spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson just once since leaving Manchester United.
The England captain left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in the summer after 15 years at the club.
"I have only spoken to Ferguson once," said Beckham. "It was when we were at the funeral of a young player. All we said was 'hello' - nothing more."
Beckham also revealed that he had no intention of joining Barcelona, who had a bid accepted for the midfielder.
"I heard Manchester United wanted to sell me when I was on holiday," he said.
"The first thing they said was that they wanted to sell me to Barcelona, but I didn't want to go to Barcelona. I would have only left Manchester to have joined Real Madrid.
"You have to remember that I had been at Manchester for 15 years and I had a lot of friends there. I still have.
"To leave Manchester United, it had to be to go to a team of a similar level and quality of players and that only left Real Madrid."
He retains his friends in Manchester, but there has only been minimal contact with Ferguson.
Beckham is happy with the way he has settled in at Real since moving to Madrid and has been impressed by the squad at the club.
"Michel Salgado is a lovely guy," said Beckham.
"I'm delighted he renewed his contract with Madrid because he helps me with my Spanish and I help him with his English. He is very talented as well as being a very special person.
"Iker Casillas is an incredible goalkeeper - one of the best in the world," he said.
"Raul was one of the first people to shake my hand on arriving and I don't know where people get the idea we don't get on.
"I understand he is under a lot of pressure because he has always been the king at Real Madrid and for Spain - he is a phenomenon."
Beckham also saluted fellow superstars Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos, but has been most impressed by Zinedine Zidane.
"Ronaldo has incredible talent and so does Roberto, they are two of the most charming people I know - and I know a lot of people," added Beckham.
"'Ronnie' speaks a bit of English and we communicate well on the pitch. Roberto has treated me like I was his son or his brother since I arrived and I have to say he is the person who has made the biggest impression on me."
"Zidane is incredible - number one in the world. He is the best there is, no doubt about that, and it is a privilege to be in the same team as he is."