Beckham: "Real Madrid need stability, Zidane should stay on"

David Beckham gave an interview to Spanish magazine 'XL Semanal' in which he discussed life in Madrid, Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid's future.

"Beckham changed everything. He united the worlds of football, fashion and beauty, becoming the most famous and richest footballer in the history of the game", so starts the lengthy article in the Spanish magazine as Beckham heads up yet another campaign for men's health and beauty.

There was also some time to talk about football:

His arrival at Madrid

"People accepted me straight away. Everyone seemed happy that I was there with my family, and I always felt at home. It's a romantic city, full of culture, very traditional. Aside from pulling on that jersey and winning a Liga and a Supercup".

Was winning only two titles in Madrid a failure?

"I never felt like it was a failure, it was one of the best times of my life. We raised a lot of expectations, yes, but we were up against Ronaldinho's Barcelona, Messi, Eto'o, Xavi, Puyol, Iniesta...and the year before my arrival we'd won the Champions League".

Do you see yourself going into management like Zidane?

"No, I wasn't born to coach, but Zizou was. As well as being a great friend, he's also the most passionate man about football and Real Madrid that I've ever met. It's natural that he ended up managing there. He has a difficult job, because in the past five years Real are up against the best Barça in history. It's a monster, a team well-built and thought through, with youth players that rise through la Masia and with Messi, you know, he's from another planet".

Turbulent times for Real Madrid

"Madrid needs stability and continuity. It'd be good for Zidane to carry on for a while there and keep the players he has now. Even if they don't win the Champions League they should give him a chance and let him work. Stability is the key, it's just the base for all things in life and business".

Florentino Perez and his famous lack of patience

"Florentino Perez has the best interests of the club at heart, he wants to bring the best in the world, like Ronaldo, Bale and the rest, he knows the fans and the supporters club and wants the same things. If he didn't sign these players he'd be criticised".

Cristiano or Messi?

"That debate doesn't make much sense to me. They're both unique, a bit like Zidane in his day, once in a generation players, we'll remember having Messi and Cristiano together! At the same time! Nobody has got to that level and stayed there for so long. Anyone who knows them always underlines their will to keep getting better, they want to be the best".