Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/SPORT/football/10/04/beckham.retirement/
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claims former England captain David Beckham will quit professonal football in two years time.
The midfielder is currently engaged in contract negotiations with the Spanish giants and Calderon wants Beckham, 31, to see out his career at the Bernabeu.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "As far as I know he's decided to retire in two years. "For us it would be fantastic if he could stay with us for the next two years."
Calderon's claims come after a difficult spell for football icon Beckham, who quit as England captain after their disappointing exit in the quarrterfinals of the World Cup in Germany.
New England manager Steve McClaren also effectively brought down the curtain on the former Manchester United star's international career by leaving him out of his first squad and subsequent Euro 2008 qualifiers.
Beckham has also lost his starting place in the Real Madrid line-up, being left on the replacements bench by new coach Fabio Capello for their past four matches.
Calderon though is insistent that Real want Beckham to renew his current deal which runs out at the end of the season.
"We need him, he is playing very well and the coach trusts him.
"We hope everything will be all right in the next 15, 20 days to sign a new contract," he added.
Beckham's worth to Real, where Calderon was recently re-elected as president, extends way beyond his playing capabilities, given his massive worldwide popularity, particularly in new Asian markets.
Reports have suggested that contract talks have stalled over Beckham's share of his image rights, currently split 50-50 between him and the Primera Liga club.
LONDON, England (CNN) -- Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon claims former England captain David Beckham will quit professonal football in two years time.
The midfielder is currently engaged in contract negotiations with the Spanish giants and Calderon wants Beckham, 31, to see out his career at the Bernabeu.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "As far as I know he's decided to retire in two years. "For us it would be fantastic if he could stay with us for the next two years."
Calderon's claims come after a difficult spell for football icon Beckham, who quit as England captain after their disappointing exit in the quarrterfinals of the World Cup in Germany.
New England manager Steve McClaren also effectively brought down the curtain on the former Manchester United star's international career by leaving him out of his first squad and subsequent Euro 2008 qualifiers.
Beckham has also lost his starting place in the Real Madrid line-up, being left on the replacements bench by new coach Fabio Capello for their past four matches.
Calderon though is insistent that Real want Beckham to renew his current deal which runs out at the end of the season.
"We need him, he is playing very well and the coach trusts him.
"We hope everything will be all right in the next 15, 20 days to sign a new contract," he added.
Beckham's worth to Real, where Calderon was recently re-elected as president, extends way beyond his playing capabilities, given his massive worldwide popularity, particularly in new Asian markets.
Reports have suggested that contract talks have stalled over Beckham's share of his image rights, currently split 50-50 between him and the Primera Liga club.
