The president of Real Madrid took a shot at David Beckham on Tuesday, suggesting the soccer player is washed up and saying he had no choice but to leave the Spanish team for the U.S. because no top European club wanted him.
"The proof that our technical staff was correct not to retain him has been borne out by every other technical staff in the world not wanting him even though he was out of contract," said Ramon Calderon in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena COPE.
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon isn't very happy with David Beckham.
(Canadian Press)
Calderon also suggested Beckham's move to the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer was more about stardom than soccer.
"David Beckham is going to be some sort of film actor living in Hollywood," he said.
Beckham, considered one of the world's biggest sports stars, turned down a two-year contract extension from Real Madrid and signed a five-year deal with the Galaxy last week. The deal is reportedly worth $250 million US.
Calderon criticized Beckham for the way he announced his planned move to the United States.
"I didn't like the way Beckham conducted himself, announcing publicly that he had another team, doing a video-conference," he said.
"For months he was messing us around."
After Beckham made his announcement, Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello said Beckham could practise, but wouldn't play again for the Spanish club.
Beckham watched from the sidelines Sunday as Real Madrid won 1-0.
According to reports, Beckham's managers are working on a deal that would allow the English midfielder to leave Real Madrid early and start with Galaxy this spring.
The deal would have to be completed before the transfer window on international players closes Jan. 31.
Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas suggested a move was unlikely.
"We would love to have David Beckham at the earliest opportunity, but I'm not holding my breath," said Lalas. "We have structured everything based upon the assumption that he is going to be available after the season with Real Madrid."
