"Love you my friend" - David Beckham sends message to former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo Nazario on latter's birthday

David Beckham showered love on his former Real Madrid teammate Ronaldo Nazario on his birthday. The Englishman sent a heartfelt message to the Brazil legend via social media platform Instagram.

The two global icons were part of the Galacticos era at Real Madrid, playing together for four seasons between 2003 and 2007. Ronaldo and Beckham formed a bond during their time together and became good friends.

Beckham still holds his former teammate in high regard and wished the former striker on his 48th birthday, September 18, 2024. Beckham posted a picture of the two of them playing for Real Madrid with the message:

"Happy birthday. Love you my friend."

A screenshot of David Beckham's story wishing Ronaldo (via David Beckham's Instagram)

David Beckham and Ronaldo were part of a star-studded team in the original Galacticos project. However, they didn't taste much success with Los Blancos, winning a solitary La Liga title in 2007.

"David Beckham one of the best of all time" - Ronaldo Nazario on his Real Madrid teammate in 2020

Ronaldo Nazario joined Real Madrid in 2002 on the back of a World Cup winning campaign with Brazil. The former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker spent five seasons with Los Blancos before moving to AC Milan in 2007. He won two La Liga titles.

David Beckham followed R9 to Madrid in the very next season, joining the club from Manchester United after a much-publicized transfer saga. Despite arriving a season after the Brazilian, he left the club at the same time.

While on an Instagram Live in 2020 during the COVID pandemic, Beckham and Ronaldo heaped praise on each other.

"One of the first people that I ever saw [at Real Madrid] was you. When you walked into the changing room it made me comfortable to be in the club," Beckham said to the legendary striker (via The Times of India).

The striker shared his admiration of David Beckham, waxing lyrical about his control over the ball:

"Man, you are amazing. For me, you are one of the best of all time in the centre. The way you would touch the ball, the way you could get the ball wherever you want, and without looking at me."

"I should thank you for the many balls you gave to me," the striker added.

Beckham is currently the owner of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. Ronaldo, on the other hand, has kept away from the limelight ever since hanging up his boots.