Beckham: I helped Ruud decide

David Beckham has revealed that he helped persuade Ruud van Nistelrooy to come to Real Madrid.

Three years after Beckham left Manchester United for the Spanish giants, van Nistelrooy last week followed him to the Bernabeu.

After a turbulent few months at Old Trafford the striker was always likely to move on, but it is seems as if his decision to switch to Real was at least partly influenced by the prospect of linking up once again with Beckham.

The England midfielder has explained that he recommended Real to van Nistelrooy on several occasions while the Dutchman was making his mind up.

"We spoke a few times on the phone before he signed for Real Madrid," Beckham told The Sun.

"He was interested to know what it's like and I told him 'It's the best in the world.'"

Beckham is confident that van Nistelrooy will be a huge success at Real, and is relishing the opportunity of supplying him with crosses again.

"He's told me he's delighted to be part of this squad and he wants the season to start so he can show why he's been signed," Beckham remarked.

"At United Ruud always got on the end of my crosses.

"We have an understanding just by looking at each other. He will definitely score a lot of goals."