Real president criticises Beckham's advisers

Jack Rashleigh
Tuesday 16 January 2007 01:00 GMT
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It is turning into a divorce to match any Hollywood break-up, and last night Real Madrid's acrimonious split with David Beckham continued with the club president Ramon Calderon appearing to accuse the former England captain of being underhanded during transfer negotiations.

Calderon told Spanish radio: "They [Beckham's representatives] have toyed with us for the last two months. Whenever his representatives met Predrag Mijatovic [the Real Madrid sporting director] they never informed him or the club that he had agreed a contract with another club.

"They never told us that Beckham had made up his decision, that he had bought a house in Los Angeles. I don't feel that it's right and I certainly don't like it. I don't like the way Beckham has acted, publicly announcing that he was going to another club, doing it with a video conference."

Beckham is believed to be furious that the club have not spoken to him about the coach Fabio Capello's decision to rule out picking him again. He reported for training yesterday and received the backing of team-mates. The defender Raul Bravo said: "It is a little sad that you have to train knowing you are not going to play."

LA Galaxy could still pay up Beckham's contract allowing him to move before the Major League Soccer season starts on 7 April but the MLS has ruled out paying a transfer fee for Beckham.

The MLS Commissioner Don Garber said: "I understand that David's lawyers are working to secure a possible amicable exit from Real because we would not be able to pay the buy-out clause."

A Beckham insider denied there was any contact between Beckham's lawyers and the club. A spokesman said: "We are still waiting to here from them what their position is regarding David. He will carry on reporting for training and be available for selection."

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