David Beckham has said that even as a Real Madrid supporter, he can’t help but be impressed by Barcelona and is sad Xavi Hernandez is leaving.
Beckham, who also offered his thoughts about Madrid swapping Carlo Ancelotti for Rafa Benitez, admitted he was impressed by the philosophy of La Blaugrana.
“I’m a former Madrid player and a fan so normally I wouldn’t talk about our main rivals, but for me Barca are an amazing team,” the former England captain said, Marca reports, when attending an event in Madrid.
“I think they’re special because so many of their players are from the cantera, and I think they have created something very special.”
Beckham added that Barca find themselves in a transitional period, thanks in part to the departure of Xavi, and paid tribute to the veteran playmaker.
“Xavi is one of the best players most people will see for years,” he acknowledged.
“It saddens me he’s leaving at the end of the season but he’s finishing in the right way. He’s won the League and the Cup and now he’ll play the Champions League final.”
