Real Madrid 'put commercial success with Beckham ahead of trophies'

Real Madrid put commercial exploitation of players like David Beckham above success on the field, former Brazil international Roberto Carlos said.

"They have used David a great deal, to a point where David sold more shirts than played soccer," Roberto Carlos told The Associated Press in an interview. "I don't like it when my friends get used. Slowly this activity has undermined and tired us."

A mainstay of Madrid's defense for 11 seasons, the left back said the Spanish powerhouse had lost its way in recent years, failing to win any silverware since 2003.

"When one talks about six coaches in four seasons something's wrong, something bad's going on," said the 34-year-old Brazilian, who won three Champions League and three league titles with Madrid. He also played in three World Cups, with Brazil beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final.

The attacking defender, whose full name is Roberto Carlos Da Silva, said the high-profile marketing policy deployed by former president Florentino Perez - who resigned last year - had driven a wedge between management and players.

"We know there are things external to the club that don't concern us, but they have been very harmful to us," he said. "The Galacticos story, the business of this being the richest club in the world, the best club of the 20th century and so on was very difficult for the players to take."

The Brazilian is famous for his powerful free kicks, but he said Beckham was even better.

"In my opinion, he is among the five or six best players in the world and the best free kick taker," Roberto Carlos said. "For me, David Beckham will always be a legend ... everything David represents for soccer, as an example to children, is reserved for very few people."

In July, Beckham will start a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

Roberto Carlos said he was fortunate to have been born in soccer-mad Brazil. He joined Brazilian club Palmeiras in 1993, Inter Milan in 1995 and Madrid in 1996.

"I've always played on the left flank and been very offensive. People have said it's an attacking style, but I just view it as Brazilian," he said.

The defender, who will leave Madrid at the end of the season, ended a monthlong injury absence Sunday as a second-half substitute when Madrid beat Osasuna 2-0 in the league.

Roberto Carlos could not say where he would play next season.

"I don't know if it'll be the Turkish, Greek, English or Saudi Arabian league," he said. "I go to win."