Becks wanted 'three more years' at Real
Tuesday, 10 Jul 2007 21:34
Beckham has signed off in style at Real
David Beckham has revealed that he felt he could have been a part of the Real Madrid team for another three seasons despite the club's decision not to renew his contract this summer.
The midfielder played a key role in the Bernabeu outfit's charge to Primera Liga glory after being initially shunned by coach Fabio Capello following his January announcement that he would move to Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy.
The Italian tactician subsequently admitted he made mistakes in his treatment of the former
Manchester United star and there were suggestions that Real may attempt to convince Beckham and his new employers to delay his departure for another year.
Although those rumours were swiftly brushed aside by the 32-year-old, Beckham has admitted that he would have liked to have stayed in Spain.
"I felt capable of staying for longer at Real Madrid," he said.
"I think I could have still played for three more seasons at the highest level, but as the club told me in January that they did not want to renew my contract I took this decision.
"That day my heart ached, but the decision was already taken. I am going to continue to support Real Madrid and follow them next season."