David Beckham praised Ireland in a recent interview and said Roy Keane was the best captain he has ever played under.

“I love Ireland honestly. I'm not just saying it because you're sat here asking me but I promise you I love Ireland,” the 38-year-old footballer told TV3's Glenda Gilson in an 'Xpose' interview on Friday.

The former Manchester United star married his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, in Dublin's Luttrellstown Castle in 1999.

“It's a special place because we got married there. Every time I visit Ireland, it's really unbelievable.

“The people are so nice and I love Guinness so I can't wait to come back,” said Beckham, who retired from football after playing last season in France with Paris Saint-Germain.

He also had good things to say about recently appointed assistant manager of Ireland, Roy Keane.

“You know I've never played with a player that has been so driven and talented and the will to win, you know there is no one that I've played with that is like Roy.

“He's the best captain I've ever played with. The best mid-fielder I've ever played with,” said the former England captain.

The Irish Independent reports that Beckham, who was speaking ahead of 'Class of 92,' a documentary about the young players who defined a remarkable era at Manchester United, said that he believed the "class of 92" would never be repeated.

“Personally, I'm biased, but I don't think we'll ever have a team like that again.

“I hope we do because it was so special to have lived through that,” he said.