Strange forces may be pulling Real Madrid and David Beckham toward the La Liga title, but nothing will pull the reborn England international away from his five-year commitment to Major League Soccer and the Los Angeles Galaxy. Despite claims to the contrary from Real President Ramon Calderon in comments following the Zaragoza game on Saturday, Galaxy representatives say there’s no buyout clause in David’s package, worth up to $250 million over five years.
Besides, Beckham’s spokesperson says the player doesn’t want to return to Madrid next season. “There is no change to David’s plans,” a spokesman told Reuters. “He loves Real Madrid and loves the club’s fans, but he is also set on taking up his new challenge in the U.S.”
Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello concedes in retrospect, the organization mucked up its negotiations with Beckham. “We all made mistakes over Beckham,” he told Spanish sports daily AS on Monday. “The sporting staff decided things and I’m responsible for that section of the club, but the truth is, we got things wrong with him. Capello said he would support the club in trying to persuade Beckham to stay, although he admitted that it’s unlikely. “It’s a shame [Beckham] is going. He has now recovered his best physical and psychological form. He is a great player and is now playing as he did when he was at Manchester United.”