And the Sour Grapes award goes to Real Madrid..

[SirFozzie]

MADRID, Spain -- David Beckham was belittled by Real Madrid's president Tuesday as a movie-star wannabe spurned by most of the world's top soccer teams.

Team president Ramon Calderon, in comments expected to further sour the relationship between Beckham and the Spanish club, told Cadena COPE radio station that the English midfielder joined the Los Angeles Galaxy because there were no other takers.

"The proof that our technical staff was correct not to retain him has been borne out by every other technical staff in the world not wanting him even though he was out of contract," Calderon said.

He added: "David Beckham is going to be some sort of film actor living in Hollywood."

The Real Madrid president suggested it was the club's decision to get rid of the 31-year-old player even though it had previously offered him a two-year contract extension. Calderon also criticized Beckham's conduct, saying on Monday his representatives had toyed with the club.

The former England captain announced last Thursday he would join the Galaxy with a five-year deal starting in August.

Madrid coach Fabio Capello responded two days later by saying Beckham would no longer play for the team now that he has committed to another club, and would only practice with his teammates. That has left Beckham with the prospect of no competitive soccer for six months.

Beckham trained with the team and attended a players' lunch at a restaurant in Madrid on Tuesday. He hasn't won a major trophy since joining the club from Manchester United in 2003.

Beckham's spokesman said Monday the midfielder hopes to fulfill the remaining 5½ months of his contract.

If Major League Soccer were to work out a transfer with Real Madrid -- including paying the Spanish team a percentage of Beckham's $11.3 million salary on top of a transfer fee -- the deal would have to be completed before the transfer window on international players closes Jan. 31.

"We would love to have David Beckham at the earliest opportunity, but I'm not holding my breath," Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas told The Associated Press on Monday. "We have structured everything based upon the assumption that he is going to be available after the season with Real Madrid."

[Mateo]

I have to give Beckham props for being able to pull the wool over the eyes of MLS. He got them to agree to pay him $250 mill to become a struggling actor. Beats the hell out of slinging hash at a greasy spoon while hitting up every open-call in the Valley.

[MikeVick7]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

The Real Madrid president suggested it was the club's decision to get rid of the 31-year-old player even though it had previously offered him a two-year contract extension. Calderon also criticized Beckham's conduct, saying on Monday his representatives had toyed with the club.

This is my favorite part of the article.

[rkmsuf]

sour grapes? who wants to pay that fool 50 million a year. real madrid is probably the winner here.

[SirFozzie]

Once again, Beckham only makes $10 million a year in salary. the rest is his outside endoresements

[KevinNU7]

Originally Posted by SirFozzie

Once again, Beckham only makes $10 million a year in salary. the rest is his outside endoresements

And RM is losing money now because previously they got half of Beckham's endorsement money.

[KeyserSoze]

As "madridista" I can say that Calderon behaviour is near at the behaviour of Al Davis, Isiah Thomas or Millen.

Anyway this year we had the best news in a long time, as Gago and Higuaín seem to be to great prospects.

[Ryan S]

Halfway through Real Sociedad v Real Madrid, Beckham has scored a free kick to make the score 1-1 after winning a recall to the first team.

Win or lose, I can't imagine Capello is looking forward to reading the sunday newspapers.....

[SirFozzie]

Gonna be fun reading

[DaddyTorgo]

haha. sweet

[ISiddiqui]

Originally Posted by Ryan S

Halfway through Real Sociedad v Real Madrid, Beckham has scored a free kick to make the score 1-1 after winning a recall to the first team.

Win or lose, I can't imagine Capello is looking forward to reading the sunday newspapers.....

[Ryan S]

In game 2 of the Beckham comeback he was sent off in the 95th minute.