Footballing legend Ronaldo has made a U-turn on his claim that David Beckham was the only Englishman who could've played for the iconic Brazil team of the early 2000s.
The ex- Barcelona and Real Madrid striker also reckons that another England ace would've been worthy of starring for the Selecao - Michael Owen. His belief comes after Beckham recently revealed that upon leaving Manchester United for Madrid, Ronaldo paid him the ultimate compliment of the pair's era. Back then, Brazil boasted a star-studded side containing the likes of himself, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo to name but a few greats who helped win the 2002 World Cup.
"I remember you turning around to me and saying that the Brazil squad believed that if there was any English player that could play in the Brazilian team it would be me," the United icon recalled. "But I never believed you! Because Brazilian players are the best players! You know that."
Of course, Beckham wasn't Ronaldo's only English teammate during his five-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. In the 2004-05 season, Owen left Liverpool to sign for Los Blancos and also impressed the Brazilian superstar, having won the Ballon d'Or aged just 22 three years prior while on Merseyside.
Asked about Beckham's anecdote on Good Morning Britain, Ronaldo - who now holds a majority stake in Spanish side Real Valladolid - said: "I've talked about David many times. It's unfair to say he's the only player who could play in the Brazil national team. There are a lot of big players from England, in history, who easily could have played for the Brazilian team.
"Michael Owen was a good friend, incredible player. But yeah, David especially was so special, so kind. He plays so nicely. The free-kick of Beckham was something special. I have contact with him very often and it was nice to play with him for five years at Madrid."
Have your say! Would any other England players get in Brazil's iconic XI? Give us your picks in the comments section.
Beckham remains one of Ronaldo's favourite teammates from his prestigious career. The former Bernabeu hitman has previously expressed his gratitude for the ex-England captain's pinpoint deliveries which helped him score a whopping 83 goals in just 127 La Liga appearances.
"For me, you were one of the best of all time in the centre," Ronaldo declared. "The way you touch the ball, could put the ball wherever you want, and without looking at me the ball would come. I should thank you for many balls you gave to me. You were amazing."
Beckham was happy to return the compliment, praising his old pal's nature off the pitch as well as on it. "When I moved from Manchester and I had been there my whole life, to move to Madrid was a big move for me," he explained. "One of the first people that I ever saw was you, when you walked into the changing room it made me feel comfortable to be at the club."
