SirFozzie
01-16-2007, 11:58 AM
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."
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."