Beckham: It's Real-ly great here

David Beckham insists his England team-mates could benefit from following him abroad – but he has stopped short of urging Michael Owen to join him at Real Madrid.

Owen’s future has been the source of continual speculation over recent months.

Real are one of several clubs said to be keen on securing his services - although they have also been linked with interest in Thierry Henry, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Francesco Totti.

Beckham certainly espouses the benefits of his move to Madrid, believing it may have made him an even better player.

“If other English players get the chance to play abroad then I would definitely say take that chance; it’s definitely worth it,” he said.

“I wouldn’t have thought that I’d leave Manchester United. But to be where I am now and to be playing the football I am now and to be happy, I think that’s special for me.

“I had so many happy years at Manchester United and now I’ve had a happy six months in Madrid and, I hope, a happy few more years there.”