David Beckham quashed rumors linking him to a dramatic return to Real Madrid next season, telling reporters that there is no buyout clause in his contract and that he doesn’t wish to return to the club after his final match against Mallorca on Sunday. “I first realized I would be leaving Real in January when I was told my contract wouldn’t be renewed,” the 32-year-old said. “I made a decision, I had to…and my option was the United States. I’m very happy about that decision, it’s a very exciting prospect.”
As he has in the past, Beckham thanked the fans for warmly receiving him throughout his four years at the Bernabeu. “I could without a doubt have stayed for two or three more years, I could have stayed for the rest of my career but things change,” he said, adding that he had not spoken with President Ramon Calderon about terminating his five-year contract with the L.A. Galaxy to stay at Real.
But now both Beckham and his spokespeople have no confirmed that there is no buyout clause, which means the player will be coming to MLS, and very likely with a La Liga winner’s medal around his neck. It’s fantastic that the Galaxy signed the former England captain when his stock was so low, because now he would no doubt be out of reach.