MADRID APPROACH REJECTED
Real Madrid have approached David Beckham's advisers and Los
Angeles Galaxy in an attempt to buy the England midfielder out of
his contract with the American club. The Spanish club contacted
Beckham's camp and the Galaxy after president Ramon Calderon spoke
of exploiting a possible escape clause in his contract to try to
keep him in Madrid.
It is understood however that Real were told "politely but firmly"
that no such clause exists - and that there is no chance of Beckham
changing his mind. Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello, who often left
Beckham on the bench during the first half of the Primera Liga
season, has admitted making errors about the way the 32-year-old
was handled.
He said: "We have all made mistakes regarding Beckham. "On the
sporting side we have made a decision and I am the one that has the
maximum responsibility. "The truth is that with him we made a
mistake. "Beckham is a great player. Now he is playing at the same
level as he did at Manchester (United).
"He is a player that has recovered his physical and psychological
condition because he was upset not to be playing with his national
team. "For every player, the national team is important and for
English players, more so."
However Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas insists the deal to
bring Beckham to California is set in stone. Although he refused to
comment on the specifics on any player's contract, when asked
directly if there was any mechanism Madrid could use to keep
Beckham, Lalas said: "No.
"I don't doubt Real Madrid would love to have David Beckham next
season but the really is that ship has sailed. "We're looking
forward to his arrival. Nothing has changed from our
perspective."
