Galaxy Reject Real Madrid Approach for Beckham
Published 6/12/2007 7:05:30 AM by staff from soccer365.com
Real Madrid were today rebuffed by David Beckham and Los Angeles Galaxy after making an official approach to buy the England midfielder out of his contract with the American club. The Spanish club were told that there is no clause in Beckham's deal with the Galaxy that would allow him to stay on in Madrid and that he has no intention of changing his mind.
Real made their approach this morning after club president Ramon Calderon yesterday spoke of trying to keep Beckham for another season. Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas promised that Beckham will he given every chance to recover from a taxing end to the season.
Lalas told PA Sport: "We know he's not a robot, he's a human being, and there will be a period of physical and mental rest that he needs and we want to make sure he gets that. We know he's going to be coming off a pretty intensive season in Madrid that is hopefully going to finish with a league title."
Beckham's return to the England team appears to cause a problem for the Galaxy, which has marketed tickets for several games late in the MLS season that Beckham is now likely to miss while on international duty. But Lalas reiterated his support for Beckham's international career. "We will continue to support him 100% for as long as he continues to play for England."
Meanwhile, 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."
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