English soccer star David Beckham "is more of a pop star than a player," and Real Madrid is a great team because it can afford to buy star players, soccer legend Pele said.

Real Madrid's David Beckham waves to fans in this Aug, 7, 2003 file photo. [Reuters]

Pele, who was in Mexico City on Thursday to film commercials for an anti-impotence drug, appeared more interested in promoting the campaign than discussing the greatest passion of his life.

But the three-time World Cup champion, considered one of the greatest soccer players ever, did answer several questions reporters submitted to him in writing.

Regarding Beckham, he noted, "He is more of a pop star than a player these days."

Much of the media attention toward the superstar midfielder who left Manchester United for Real Madrid in June has focused on his changing hairstyles, outfits and personal life.

As for Real Madrid, which also has signed mega-soccer stars including Ronaldo, Claude Makelele, Roberto Carlos, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, and Raul, Pele said that it's a "team that has a lot of money; it can buy the best players in the world."

Pele said in his time, "no one talked about defeats, only triumphs," and they would never have discussed impotence — the focus of his advertising campaigns for the drug Viagra.

The smiling 62-year-old Pele notes that he doesn't need Viagra, but would use it if he did.

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