Beckham will not play for Real again - Capello

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-01-14 16:06

MADRID, Jan 13 - David Beckham will not play again for Real Madrid after agreeing a move to Los Angeles Galaxy, Real coach Fabio Capello said on Saturday.

"Beckham will train with the team but he won't play," Capello told a news conference.

"He has always been a great professional but if a player has such an important contract with another club you cannot count on him. You can't have the same enthusiasm when your mind is on other things."

He said Beckham's decision to stay until June "is his decision, not the club's."

When asked if the former England captain would go out on loan for the last six months of his contract, Capello replied: "You will have to ask Beckham that question."

Beckham, who decided not to extend his contract with Real on Thursday and has agreed a move to the Major League Soccer side when his present deal expires in June, expressed surprise at the club's decision.

"As far as David is aware he has a contract for the remainder of the season and he remains dedicated to the club and the supporters," Beckham's spokesman Simon Oliveira said.

"David is surprised at the quotes from Capello as no-one from the club has informed him of this intention. He will continue to give his full commitment in a professional manner to the club."

The five-year deal taking Beckham to the United States is worth $250 million, one of the most lucrative in world sport.

Capello also talked about two other players, Brazilian striker Ronaldo and Italian striker Antonio Cassano, who are being linked with possible exits.

Real president Ramon Calderon said on Friday that Capello did not count on Ronaldo as a first team regular, and that negotiations were underway for a possible transfer.

"Ronaldo is injured at the moment. The club are having discussions with him, nothing more. He is still a Real player," Capello said.

"Cassano does not enter into my plans."

Third-placed Real host fourth-placed Real Zaragoza in the Primera Liga on Sunday. Beckham, Cassano and Ronaldo were all left out of the squad.



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