David Beckham

Beckham sports new tattoo in Real Madrid return

David Beckham returned to Real Madrid training yesterday sporting new ink.

The midfielder took part in his first full-scale training session since limping off against Getafe on March 4.

Beckham, with a new tattoo on his right arm, came through drills unscathed and could be part of Real's squad for this weekend's clash with Valencia.

Beckham returns to Real Madrid squad

MADRID (Reuters) - David Beckham has returned to the Real Madrid squad for Saturday's game at home to Valencia after six weeks out with a knee ligament injury.

The former England captain suffered a strain to the lateral ligament in his right knee in a league match against Getafe at the start of March and has not played since.

Beckham, who will turn 32 next month, is leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season after agreeing to sign a five-year deal with MLS side LA Galaxy worth $250 million (125 million pounds).

The midfielder will have eight opportunities to play for Real in the league before he leaves for the United States.

Real Madrid vs. Valencia

GOALKEEPERS: Casillas & Diego López

DEFENDERS: Ramos, Cicinho, Helguera, Cannavaro, Pavón, Marcelo, Salgado & Torres

MIDFIELDERS: Guti, Gago, Diarra, Robinho, Raúl, Reyes & Beckham

STRIKERS: Higuaín, Cassano & Van Nistelrooy

thanks luno

You're welcome Ange

2 - REAL MADRID: Casillas; Salgado, Sergio Ramos, Cannavaro, Torres; Diarra, Gago (Guti, 62'), Higuaín (Beckham, 65'), Robinho (Reyes, 84'); Raúl and Van Nistelrooy.

1 – VALENCIA: Cañizares; Miguel, Ayala, Moretti, Del Horno (Hugo Viana, 82´); Albelda, Albiol, Joaquín (Jorge López, 67'), Silva; Villa and Morientes.

REFEREE: Miguel Angel Pérez Lasa, del Colegio Vasco. Mostró cartulina a Gago, Ayala, Albiol and Guti.

GOALS:

1-0: Min. 17: Superb goal by Van Nistelrooy after volleying a perfect cross by Torres.

1-1: Min. 51: Morientes beats Casillas after a centre pass from Joaquín.

2-1: Min. 73: Sergio Ramos headers Beckham's free kick passed Cañizares.

NOTES: Matchday 31 of La Liga played at the Santiago Bernabéu. Attendence: sold out.

Capello grateful to Beckham as Real Madrid bounce back

Real Madrid kept their title hopes alive after a crucial 2-1 win over fellow contenders Valencia.

A week after losing 2-1 at Racing Santander to slip five points adrift of leaders Barcelona, Madrid bounced back with an impressive display to beat fourth-placed Valencia by the same scoreline.

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored one of the goals of the season at the Bernabeu to put the hosts ahead in the 18th minute, and although Fernando Morientes drew Valencia level just after half-time, Sergio Ramos headed home David Beckham's free-kick for a deserved winner.

"It was a very important win," said Real coach Fabio Capello. "We played a very good game against a very good team.

"I liked my team a lot. The first-half with Gago and Higuain playing very well and the second with the quality of Beckham and Guti was key, although also the pace was slower and there was more space for everyone."

On Beckham's return, Capello added: "He recovered from his injury this week and played very well. I asked him before the game if he could play and he said 'yes'. He's going to America, but that's the club's problem, not mine. He is contracted to us so he can play for us."

Thank u LuNo,Aga,Ange and footballfan#7

You're welcome Sandy

Beckham speaks his mind

"I love this Club and I'm going to do my best until the day I leave"

David Beckham played a crucial role in his return to the Santiago Bernabéu against Valencia. His amazing cross into Sergio Ramos allowed the latter to score the Whites' victory goal.

In an interview to Sky Sports, partially published in Spain by AS, David Beckham said he was excited with the possibility of winning a title this season. Thanks to the defeat of Barcelona on Sunday, his and all Madridismo's dream could come true. There are still seven games left in the League and the Whites are only two points behind the leaders and one behind Sevilla. Beckham's personal goal for this season is to become League champion with Real Madrid.

The English midfielder arrived at the Club in the 2003/04 season. Winning the League this year would be the perfect finishing touch to his stay at Real Madrid. "I love this Club and I'm going to do my best until the day I leave,, said Beckham, "The best thing that can happen to a football player is to play at the Bernabéu. I will miss playing for these fans." The latter have always acknowledged Becks' quality as a player and his great professionalism during his stay at the Club. For this reason he was given an ovation by the entire stadium on Saturday when he took the pitch. Every Madridista is already thanking him for everything he has done for this Club.

Beckham refuses to criticise Real Madrid coach Capello

tribalfooball.com - April 25, 2007

David Beckham refuses to criticise Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello over the way he was treated earlier this season.

Capello refused to select Beckham immediately after he agreed a deal with LA Galaxy, but later accepted he was wrong to freeze out the midfielder.

"I haven't spoken to him about it," said Beckham. "But it is clear that he is a trainer who has a great personality, really has clear ideas and I am very thankful to him that he let me return to the team. I will never criticize him for what he did at that time, he is a man with great prestige in the world of football who deserves our respect.

"It doesn't matter if I have signed for another team, I am a professional. I will always put my body on the line in tackles and give 120 per cent.

"I adore this club and will give my all until the final day I am here."

MERCI! Luno!

You're welcome Ange

Mijatovic Regrets Beckham's Madrid Exit

Real Madrid have admitted that they made a mistake in not trying to convince David Beckham to extend his contract at the Bernabéu in January.

The Spanish giants' sporting director, Predrag Mijatovic, revealed that he felt personally responsible for the confusion that occurred between club and player.

Negotiations last year broke down allowing Beckham to begin talks with other parties and he eventually agreed a pre-contract deal with MLS outfit LA Galaxy.

Allegations about the other party's behaviour during the saga were aired just after the English midfielder revealed his Stateside move and he was even told by coach Fabio Capello that he would never play for Madrid again.

So impressed though, have the club been with his professionalism and commitment that it now appears that Mijatovic is regretting Beckham slip through his fingers.

"When the season started we wanted David to stay, although we couldn't arrive at an agreement," the Serbian told The Sun.

"Looking back I realise that it was a mistake not to talk things through clearly.

"The comments in the press from me, the president and his agent confused the player and us and because of that mistakes were made."

Mijatovic has been in a reflective mood this week as he has already stated that he made a mistake in not defending the Madrid players against some harsh media criticism.