NATHAN Wilcox thought David Beckham was overrated - until he met him.

The stuff of every boy's dreams came true for the 13-year-old Kempsey boy when he rubbed shoulders with some of the world's top footballers after coming top in a national football competition.

He won a once-in-a-lifetime prize to meet David Beckham and his Real Madrid team mates Fernando Morientes and Roberto Carlos, on a two-day trip to Madrid and its famous Bernabau Stadium.

"I support Manchester United but I wasn't that bothered when Beckham left," said Nathan.

"I thought he was overrated and I preferred Rooney and Ronaldo.

"But when I met him, I realised he was really great. He was friendly and helpful and the players were laughing with us all the time."

Nathan's dad Paul agreed: "It was wonderful.

"Beckham put his arm round Paul for the photograph and that really was the highlight."

Nathan, who attends Blessed Edward Oldcorne School in Worcester, won the Pepsi competition through Match football magazine after drawing a picture of Carlos, who starred in an advertisement for the soft drink with Beckham and Morientes.

Mr Wilcox said his son did not believe it when he was told he had won.

"The next morning, he got up and told me, 'I've just had a weird dream', but of course it was actually true."

Now Nathan must contend with envious friends and family.

"I had a training session with Carlos," he said, "where we were taught about shooting and crossing.

"Then I had a Real Madrid shirt printed with my name on the back which you can't get done in this country."

But Nathan will not be changing his allegiances, although, he does now have a soft spot for the Spanish giants.

"I'll still support Manchester United," he said, "but hopefully, I'll get the chance to go out to Spain again and watch some matches at the Bernabau."