Roberto Carlos says David Beckham 'takes free kicks better than me'

Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos has claimed his former Real Madrid colleague David Beckham was better at set pieces than he was.

Now a player-manager at Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League, Carlos still works on what he turned into an art form in his peak.

"I practise my free kicks every day. Of course, at the age of 42 the quality is not what it was, but I'm still determined to show India the best of Roberto Carlos," he told Sport360.com.

No doubt he is often joined in his practices by John Arne Riise, whose rocket of a left foot came to prominence during seven years at Liverpool, and can still teach the 34-year-old Norwegian a few tricks.

"There are seven days in a week. I take seven free kicks daily," Carlos continued. "You should be relaxed before taking the free kick. You should have confidence in your ability and happiness that you are going to score a goal."

Although considered as one of the all-time greats from set-pieces, and having played alongside some world-class talent during his time with Inter Milan and in the Spanish capital, he points to one player especially as being the best.

"Beckham takes free kicks better than me. It is a joy to watch him take free kicks and he has proved that free kicks are not all about power."

Carlos also proved that former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda still exists by signing him for his side in August, and begins his first season in charge of the Dynamos in an away tie at Goa on October 4.