Gary Neville has shared a birthday tribute to David Beckham, revealing the touching words his good friend shared at the Sky Sports pundit’s own birthday bash earlier this year.
Beckham, who celebrates his 50th birthday on Friday, was recorded making a speech praising his former Manchester United team-mate.
While Neville’s party was supposed to be a no-phones affair, he still posted footage which was recorded when Beckham took to the stage to address revelers.
‘So this is really a behind-the-scenes view of what David is!’ said Neville on Instagram.
‘My 50th was a few months ago and it was a no mobile phone do.
‘However, I’m glad that one of my friends had the foresight to capture it.
David Beckham told guests at the party that Gary Neville was a ‘special human being’
Gary Neville and David Beckham shared a remarkable on-pitch connection at Old Trafford
‘He did this off the cuff and meant a lot but most of all today it tells you what he is about.’
In the video, Beckham takes the microphone to gush about Neville, the man he enjoyed a remarkable on-field connection with at Old Trafford.
Beckham calls Neville a ‘special human being,’ telling his parents Jill and Neville how ‘incredible’ their three children are.
‘With our kids, that’s what we want, we want our children to end up like you’re children have,’ said Beckham.
‘They’re driven, they’re passionate but ultimately they’re good human beings and that’s the most important thing.
‘Gary is special in so many ways.
‘He gives everything to everybody else before he gives it to himself.
‘He does too much for everyone really, he forgets about himself.’
Both Beckham and Neville were part of the Champions League-winning United team in 1999
Beckham will celebrate his own 50th birthday at a Michelin star restaurant in London.
Later in the speech, Beckham directly addresses Neville’s own children.
‘It’s important that you girls realise how amazing your dad is,’ he says.
‘Gaz, I’ve gone on far too long but it’s important to say what we’ve said tonight.
‘As a player, you always gave and gave and gave.
‘You always said you wasn’t always the, most talented player on the pitch but you were the hardest working.
‘For me, you were the most talented player on the pitch because you supported me in the way I needed.
‘I just helped a little bit!
‘Tonight is about you, you’ve made it special for all of us.
‘We love you, that’s why we’re here.
‘You’re a special human being and that needs to be recognised.’
In the recorded speech, Beckham praised Neville’s parents for how they raised their children
Former Man United class of ’92 team-mates are expected to attend Beckham’s 50th bash
The video was the second Instagram birthday tribute Neville paid to Beckham on the day his old teammate turned 50.
‘Happy 50th mate,’ he wrote previously.
‘You’re the best! Stand still today for once and reflect on everything you have achieved and done in these first 50 years of your life.
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‘We’ve won, lost, laughed and cried but had the most incredible times together.
‘I can still see our mums and dads in the crowd.
‘Everything you’ve done has come through humility, care and hard work.
‘I’m proud of you and more importantly trust you with my life.
‘All my love to you.’
Beckham will toast his milestone birthday with at a dinner party at the three Michelin star restaurant Core in London.
His children Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13 are all reported to be on the guest list for the bash, with celebrity friends including Tom Cruise and former Man United Class of ’92 team-mates also expected to attend.
