David Beckham said Thursday that Real Madrid's failure to offer
him a convincing contract renewal offer was behind his decision to
leave the nine-time European champion and sign for MLS side LA
Galaxy.
"I first realized I would be leaving Real Madrid six months ago
in January when I was told my contract wouldn't be renewed," the
32-year-old former England captain told a news conference before
his final game for the Primera Liga club.
Contrary to club president Ramon Calderon's recent statements,
Beckham said he had not been approached by Real to persuade him to
stay and he denied there was an escape clause by which he could
back out of the Galaxy deal.
"I've had no contact with the president about anything," he
said. "The contract was signed a few months back, everyone knows
when I signed it. My last game will be on Sunday.
"There is no clause with Los Angeles saying it could be
changed."
Meanwhile, Robinho will play for Real in its Spanish league
title-deciding finale after receiving permission from FIFA, Spanish
media reported on Wednesday.
The Brazil forward was meant to join the national team on
Tuesday in preparation for the Copa America, the South American
championship starting on June 26 in Venezuela.
Though clubs are required to release their players 14 days
before the start of a major tournament, Real will not have to after
the Spanish football federation received word from soccer's world
governing body allowing Robin-ho to play Mallorca on Sunday.
(Shanghai Daily June 15, 2007)