Ever since it was announced that David Beckham would be signing with the Los Angles Galaxy, there has been a huge amount of press about what this would mean for soccer in the States. David Beckham is certainly taking on a challenge and I think for fans outside of the US such as myself, how much of a challenge is largely unknown. I am pleased to be able to post an article written by Diane, one of David Beckham's many fans in the US, that talks a little about the mission that David Beckham is accepting as the MLS's highest profile signing and ambassador. David Beckham - Mission Possible? Thanks Diane!

Signs are that Becks is already working his magic and he hasn't even played a game for his new team yet, as the Los Angeles Times have been giving soccer unprecedented coverage! You can read more on this here and even Tiger Woods is backing Becks to do the business story here.

Becks TV

If you live outside of the States and have been wondering how you will see David Beckham's LA Glalaxy MLS games - here's a little information on how the MLS is televised courtesy of Diane's son! Firstly here's the US coverage details:

ESPN2/ABC is the official broadcast partner of Major League Soccer. A total of 26 games will appear on ESPN2, while ABC will televise the League's opening match (Saturday, April 3) in addition to the MLS All-Star Game on Saturday, July 24, and MLS Cup 2004 on Sunday, November 14.

Currently 26 of the 29 national telecasts will feature live games, with tape-delayed matches featured on the holiday weekends of May 29 (Memorial Day) and September 4 (Labor Day), as well as Saturday, August 21.

In addition, cable partners Fox Sports World and HDNet will also show additional live matches on Saturday nights throughout the season. Locally, MLS teams have their own English and Spanish language broadcast agreements through local channels and regional sports network. For the LA Galaxy it is - KCAL-9, KWHY-22

If like me you are outside of the States you can e-mail ESPNInternationalNetworks@espn.com and ask them about whether they will be showing the MLS games in your region. I am in New Zealand and I can share some good news with fans here and in Australia, ESPN will be providing coverage of the MLS on their Pacific Rim network beginning in April. Another fan e-mailed to ask about coverage for the UK and Switzerland and was advised that Channel 5 in the UK plans to provide coverage of MLS but that there is no news on Swiss networks as yet. If you e-mail and ask about your country can you please post the response you get in the comments if you get a chance, as other fans from your country would be interested. Thanks!

David Beckham attended Real Madrid training this morning, the write up and photos are on the official site. In an amazing coincidence, following coach Capello's statement that Becks would not play again for Real Madrid, David Beckham was for the second week in a row sidelined due to a niggle just before the squad was named for Real Madrid's next game and then returned to training with the team straight after the match. I am glad that he has recovered and surely another niggle at the end of this week would be beyond the laws of statistical probability? I hope so! Photos in the gallery

There are a lot of stories doing the rounds at the moment that David Beckham wants to be an actor. Annie Liebovitz says he slipped right into the role of Prince Charming and took his part very seriously and was great! This is a nice compliment but I don't know that it should be taken as more. Giorgio Armani made a comment about Becks wanting to act that was widely quoted and quite a few others have been quick to voice an opinion. Just what Becks should and shouldn't do and why is something everyone seems to like to talk about! Still, although the media doesn't like to do this, I thought in the interests of fair play we should perhaps listen to what the man himself has had to say on the subject as recently as November 2006. What's that? Actually listen to David Beckham talking about what David Beckham wants to do and be? I know, outrageous concept :) Source

The Real Madrid soccer star insists that, contrary to reports, he has no plans to follow in the footsteps of his 'Mission: Impossible' star friend when he finally hangs up his boots.

He said: "No way! I never wanted to be an actor. I don't want to act. It has never appealed to me."

He added: "When I finish my career what I want to do most is spend more time with my sons and Victoria and do some work for good causes. I want to create more sports schools for children."

Sad news

I am sad to say that I have removed the request for donations for Rebecca Johnstone because she has passed away (news report). I am sure you will all join with Sara and I in wishing her family and friends our deepest sympathy at this time.

The Sun have seen a preview of the upcoming film Goal!II: Living the Dream, and have some juicy info about David Beckham's cameo scenes. Details here. I wish I was going to be in the UK on Feb 9th... for the goal celebrations and the training scenes, of course!!

There is also an interesting article in US Today about the Beckham's Stateside profile and The Guardian has quotes from an interview LA Galaxy President Lalas gave to El Pais. One quote that really summed up how I have often felt when reading unfair criticism of David Beckham's form was -

It seems unfair Beckham has been blamed for bad results with England and Real. If these teams play mediocre football it isn't his fault. Football is a game of 11 against 11, not Beckham against 11.

Update - It has been reported on the Broadcast and cable site that "the NFL will use American sports’ newest import, English soccer star David Beckham, among a cast of stars for a 30-second commercial it will air touting its NFL Network during this Sunday’s Super Bowl telecast. Under the tagline, "NFL Network. Total Access, 365 Days a Year," the spot features a party thrown by flamboyant Cincinnati Bengals star Chad Johnson that is attended by a random array of stars including Janet Reno and Martha Stewart." This is separate from the interview with David Beckham that is expected to air as part of the Super Bowl coverage this coming Sunday.

Here's the clips of David Beckham being interviewed and working with Annie Liebovitz to get that perfect shot for the Disney Ad. I put them into one video and posted it on You Tube. Hope that makes it easier to view. The interview is super cute!

David Beckham has teamed up with Disney Parks and Resorts for an advertisement shot by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz(she also took the Body by Milk photo's and the pictures that appeared in the cover shoot David Beckham did for Vanity Fair in 2004) In the Ad Becks is Prince Phillip the dragon slayer from Sleeping Beauty! That works :)

You can read about the photoshoot and some quotes from Becks in the press materials in Metro and also USA Today





The difference between the two versions of the ad is that the first has the Walt Disney Logo and also a one line description of the scene and the second version doesn't. The first two pictures were taken during shooting. The pictures are all 2000 px wide and should be able to be re-sized to use for wallpapers! There are also some David Beckham photos from the shoot in the gallery

It was announced today that this season's MLS All Star game will be played in Denver on July 19. The All star team will play Celtic and David Beckham, if fit and available, would be eligible to play as one of the commissioner's two picks. Details here.

There is an interesting article (yes another one!) about David Beckham's move in today's Philadelphia Inquirer.

There is also a story about Becks doing something very kind for one of his fans who is sadly very ill, let's all pray she gets better.





Update - David Beckham was left out of the Real Madrid squad again this week because he is "injured", according to the club. The situation is made more questionable by a statement on the official Real Madrid site that says Beckham only returned to training Thursday and is now niggled again. Of course we have photos in the gallery of him training with the rest of the squad on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. This is the second week in a row Becks trained all week, picking up a niggle just ahead of the squad being named. He reportedly has tendonitis affecting his knee and if this is the case, let's wish him a speedy recovery.

Fabio Capello, said that David Beckham could be selected again if he is fit and shows the right attitude "but he has to show it". However, in a 15 year professional career, David Beckham has consistently shown the right attitude and as his team mates at Real Madrid have recently stated, he has always given his all for the shirt. It is the worst form of unsporting behaviour to make these snide remarks and cast any doubt over the professional attitude of someone who has worked so hard and been such a credit to the club in every respect. Every stone that is thrown makes Capello a lesser man. The coverage in the media so far is beyond imbecilic, how many times will they run the headline that Capello is "softening his stance" before they observe that nothing has actually happened to indicate this or back it up at all. Story here.

Just a reminder if you're lucky enough to live in the UK Goal! II Living the Dream featuring David Beckham and the Real Madrid team opens February 9th. The official site has the preview and there are higher definition versions in multiple formats here. It includes some nice shots of Becks including this one - if you haven't already, check it out!


The film company are running a competition with the chance to win a visit to the Goal! III film set in London in May or June of this year when shooting is scheduled. You have to register to enter but the question is very easy. Click here for the competiton! Good luck!

The film will also be released 16 March in Spain, April 4 in France and May 31 in Germany according to IMDB I have added a couple of fuzzy pics from the movie preview to the gallery.

Update @ 3PM There is an interview with Ruud Van Nistelrooy on the Official Real Madrid site he was asked about David Beckham's situation and had the following to say

This is a hard time for David and for us too because we want the best for our teammates. The most important thing for us to do is to move on and keep winning games. Beckham has proved to be a true professional throughout his career. He made his debut at the age of 17 with Manchester United, which means his professional career has lasted for 15 years. It's a great opportunity for him to go to the US. It was his own personal choice. He had many other offers from other Clubs, but he decided to go to the States.

It is especially nice to see Ruud making sure he corrects some of the falsehoods Calderon put into circulation with regards to how many offers David Beckham had. Ruud's a class act.

Technorati Profile

Yesterday David Beckham's team mate Salgado gave a Press conference transcript here and publicly added his voice to Raul's and other Real Madrid Players who have called for common sense and fairness to be shown by the club. He said -

Q:In the case of Beckham, Ronaldo and Cassano, are you in agreement with what Raul said?

Answer: I share his opinion. They are Real Madrid players and they can help us win titles. I don't think it's good for the squad to leave three or four players out before the end of the season.

Today his comments were picked up by a columnist on AS who said amongst other things, that when Salgado talks all must shut up and listen. Let's hope he is right.

Ivan Helguera has also been quoted in an interview with Radio Marca as saying -

It is necessary to be true and respectful with the people who try to give everything, especially at a club of the greatness of Real Madrid

It is more than ironic to witness first hand the players described by Calderon as "lacking education and culture" acting with both and in doing so helping to protect the name of a great club from its charlatan administration.

Also there was a quote in the National Obssession which I'd somehow missed shame on me, Man U fan that I am, from Ryan Giggs, wishing Becks well -

"I wish him good luck," the Welshman said. "It's an exciting thing for him to do, and his family as well, and I'm sure he'll be a big success.

"It's something different and a very exciting thing to do at this stage of his career.

"I think he's proved himself in the Premiership and he's done well in Madrid as well and he fancied something different and going to America is certainly that."

Update: A few photos from today's Real Madrid training session are in the weekly gallery

Posh and Becks have been welcomed to America by President George Bush. Well at least their wax dolls have as part of a display at Madame Tussaud's in New York. AS.com have a video clip of the opening of the exhibit view here. Photos in the gallery. What do you think of the wax dolls? Poor Posh seems to have a spot of jaundice bought on by the lighting, Becks has come off better, but it's no substitute for the real deal! George on the other hand looks slightly more lively and alert than usual (just kidding!) :)

The Mirror is reporting that Victoria Beckham met with Coty in Paris yesterday and that a 7 million pound deal has been agreed to market the Intimately Beckham range in the US Story here

In other product/endorsement related news, Brand Republic confirmed today the reports from last September that David Beckham has been replaced as the Global Face of Gillette by Roger Federer, Thierry Henry and Tiger Woods. However, David Beckham's representatives have indicated a deal to use Becks as part of Gillette's marketing for the US is being negotiated.

Real Madrid, Sporting Director, Mijatovic has given an interview to AS.com. After he gets in the usual (yawn!) and obligatory (someone wake me up when he shuts up!) digs at Becks about his "betrayal" (why does he sound more like an ex-girlfriend than a sporting director?) he does make some comments suggesting that the club might at last be prepared to take a fairer approach to their dealing with Becks, "to reach a solution". I hope so. He also told As there is a possibility that Becks could play against Bayern Munich but added that it was up to Capello. Story here. Hands up if you're just sick to death of reading new quotes from Real Madrid about David Beckham every day!

In the same issue of As Sergio Ramos spoke well of Ronaldo and Beckham saying that they are unique players whom he values as team mates.

Becks was back in training today and I've added a few pics to the gallery Good to know the muscle strain must have been minor.

Update Coverage of Mijatovic's comments can also be seen in The Sun and The Times.

There is an interesting article on Major League Soccer Online about the major impact David Beckham's has had on MLS even though he hasn't actually kicked a ball yet!

Over at the Daily breeze, they have a funny review of the media frenzy since Becks signing! It will make you laugh!

Finally, I have gathered the video's of David Beckham's interviews on Cold Pizza, Good Morning America, and his press conferences, along with an assortment of press articles, quotes and photos that have come out in the last 12 days, into a reference guide to all things 'David Beckham joins the LA Galaxy' related. I have also included a guide to the Real Madrid reaction and I've tried to keep the ranting to a minimum, promise :) This should make things easier to find, now that many of the posts that contained the relevant info have slipped off the front page and into the archives, so here it is David Beckham's Big Adventure -- Anna

Real Madrid's Sporting Director Mijatovic has been quoted as saying that David Beckham 'must' complete his contract with Real Madrid whilst also inferring that he may get little playing time. Full story here and click here for coverage in The Sun. Of course David Beckham gave a statement, following the announcement that he would go to play for LA Galaxy in the summer, that he would see out his contract and that he was committed to doing so and hoped to help Real Madrid win a trophy. It is a shame that Real Madrid won't respond in a professional manner to his professional sentiments. All their posturing is tiresome and after the last week it is sad to realise that they still don't seem to have learned the fundamental lesson of handling matters in-house rather than delivering messages via the world's media. Sad.

Surely they can see how transparent there words are, if they meant to allow Becks to compete for a spot on his merits, when fit, then the decision should be made week to week. Pronouncements in the media as to what will probably happen for the remainder of the season, show a glaring lack of good faith and even common sense, after all Mijatovic does not know who will be injured. Is it going to be regular practice at Real Madrid to have injured players on the bench as happened with Emerson against Zaragoza? Even Raul commented that, that was "strange" and it was done with a fit David Beckham sitting in the stands. David Beckham's team mate Robinho was quoted as saying

Many of the players believe it is vital to keep David involved at Real over the next few months. If we have any injury problems we may need David in the team, especially with games like the Champions League tie with Bayern Munich coming up

Mijatovic has not only lost David Beckham's respect, I suspect he has lost the respect of any fair-minded follower of the sport. Mijatovic and Capello in the last week, have both made comments designed to avoid the legal consequences of their initial declaration but as always no sense of fairness can really be detected in their words. If a legal remedy is still a possibility, David Beckham would be more than justified in seeking one.

Ananova are reporting that Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner has put the Beckham's on his party list. Hugh sure is determined to get all the free publicity he can from David Beckham's move to LA. I think that's his third press release about the Beckham's in a week. Hugh, please, take your bathrobe and your bunnies and hop off.

There are still some interesting articles coming out, such as the one in this morning's Globe and Mail, titled "Beckham signing shows league going in right direction, Waiters says",
(click here) which includes the quote

Beckham projects a very good image for the game. He has that off-the-field aura that will really help

but things are not as frenzied as they were, now that every columnist from here to Timbucktoo has had their say. I'm going to take the chance to do some house-keeping and finish a couple of new webpages, so hopefully I'll be back later with something new! Hope you have a good week - Anna

Happy Sunday! I bring you TV tidings from the tabloids.

The Mirror reports David Beckham is to give a TV interview on CBS during the half-time interval of the Super Bowl on February 4th. Jay Leno and Oprah reportedly vied to clinch Becks first interview but CBS won out. The Super Bowl which is the American "football" final is expected to have an audience of 80 Million people. That's a lot of people!

Next up, there are reports that a bidding war has broken out over the TV rights to televise the charity match that will be played at Old Trafford on March 13, betwen Manchester United and a European XI that will feature David Beckham, story here.

Finally The people tabloid has a story on Fox offerring the Beckham's their own reality TV show, "Living with the Beckhams."

The Sunday Mirror also has an article about a study done by two spanish professors that shows David Beckham's departure from Real Madrid will cost the club, approximately 30 million pounds a year in lost earnings. Is that why we've seen 30 million quids worth of sour grapes? Full story here.

The official Real Madrid site lists David Beckham among the 9 first team players currently injured. It's a shame, as with all the recent reports of Capello perhaps back-tracking on Becks playing, I was waiting to see the squad list for the Mallorca game with interest. The site says he missed training yesterday because of a left quadriceps muscle strain. You can view a transcript of the press conference Capello gave today in which he discusses David Beckham's injury and recall chances. It is hard to take anything from what he says, certainly there is nothing in his words that I take as very encouraging. We will have to wait and see and hope. Feel better soon Becks!

There is a slightly interesting article in the New York Times today but it is a subscription article so I've placed a copy on the site to make it easier to access,click here to read it. I don't agree with the writers assessment of David Beckham's current form etc but it is an interesting perspective on Becks new challenge. I also like hearing little details such as how courteous Becks always is to others at his children's school! The Houston Chronicle have a piece on why they think Becks move will be a success for the MLS online here and the Washington Times reports that there were 25 stories about the MLS in the US Media the week before David Beckham signed and more than 3000 the week after, story here. You can also read a nice interview with Becks soon to be coach Frank Yallop. There continues to be a lot of positive buzz coming out of the US.

David Beckham has stood up to Ramon Calderon and Pedja Mijatovic letting them know that they have lost his respect. It has been reported that in the meeting that Calderon held with the players Wednesday, following his awful comments and outright lies earlier in the week, that David Beckham let the President know that he had stepped over the line and called him out on his terrible behaviour. David Beckham of course did this face to face and not through the media and that is the difference between someone of character and a coward such as Calderon. You go Becks! Telegraph Report here and more quotes and details in The Guardian.

The first of the photos of David Beckham and his Mum watching last night's King's Cup game are in the gallery. Real Madrid sadly drew the return leg and so have lost on aggregate and are out of the competition.

update@ 3:15PM The players press conference that was scheduled for today to discuss the outcome of the meeting held between the players and Calderon on Wednesday, was held a short time ago. Real Madrid captain Raul called for unity and calm and said

"Beckham and Ronaldo have proved that they are great professionals and that they will give everything for this shirt. We asked the club to talk to these players personally because it is important to sort out the problems now and they said they would do that," he said.

"It was a positive meeting that we hope will prove to be a turning point."

He added that he believed Capello might review his decision about sidelining the former England captain, but stressed the players were not trying to interfere in technical decisions."

More details can be viewed in the Reuters Report and full transcript from the official Real Madrid site.

Have a great weekend everyone - Anna

The LA Times ran a poll of it's readers to ask if the signing of David Beckham to local team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, would inspire them to go to a game. Over 31% responded that they had never seen a match but they would go now, and a further 11% said they would buy season tickets. You can view the poll and a great article about what David Beckham still has to offer as a player online here. The article included the following quote from David Beckham's soon-to-be coach, Frank Yallop

Because he's not playing as much, people seem to think he's not playing because he's not very good. It's so far from the truth. I watched the last six or seven Real Madrid games before Christmas and he started two or three of them. I thought he was outstanding. Excellent.

In addition to the article in the Los Angeles Times there was also an article in The Independent that reports Calderon's apology to David Beckham and draws attention to the inaccuracies contained in Calderon's slurs. It is disappointing that the vast majority of media outlets failed to include this relevant information in their initial reports of Ramon Calderon's insults.

The Telegraph has an article about Capello's potential back down over Becks and cites pressure from players as a major factor. Hats off to David Beckham's Real Madrid team mates for this show of solidarity. You can read a couple of quotes from Iker Casillas and Ivan Helguera in the news item titled "David Beckham may have escape clause", further down this page.

Finally, this is a shout out to the Aussie fans, Los Angeles Galaxy president Alexi Lalas has told Fox Sports that he would really like the team to tour Australia. David Beckham down-under, wouldn't that be great! Here's hoping, Story here.

I've added a few more photos of David Beckham on his way to a team lunch at Sula in Madrid to the events photo gallery and a few additional photos of David Beckham in Tokyo to the Motorola Gallery

There is an indepth article, "Anatomy of a blockbuster: The story behind the Beckham deal and the economics", in today's Sports Illustrated, that talks about the ins and outs of how the MLS team LA Galaxy signed David Beckham!

A couple of quick take away points if you don't have time to read the full article

1. LA Galaxy are completely re-branding and intend changing their colors. So it would be best to hold off on buying a Beckham LA Galaxy shirt or other merchandise because David Beckham will never wear the current green and gold. The team is looking at dark blue and black but no decision has been made.

2. The article details how the deal was put together and refutes any allegations of pre January 1 talks.

3. The article confirms rumors that LA Galaxy will make a pre-season tour of Asia in 2008.

Full Story here

Owen Hargreaves talks about David Beckham's move to the US in his BBC column this week, online here. He clearly has a lot of respect for Becks and amongst many good quotes, I especially liked this part

For Becks this is a new challenge and a new chapter. For anybody that doubts him, I predict Becks will probably have the last laugh.

I admire him for everything he has achieved and the way he has handled it - not many people could have withstood what he has gone through.

It takes a unique person and that is why he is a good example for people to look up to. I have had nothing but great experiences with him

I also spotted a really interesting article, "Why America will love Beckham" on the Guardian Blog, if you haven't read it, it's worth checking out as it gives an interesting insight as to the grass-roots popularity of soccer in the US.

In a case of "too little too late" Ramon Calderon has apologised for the personal attack he made on David Beckham yesterday. He has also been busy giving the "sorry" word a workout to the clubs players and fans. I can not help but wonder why a man who does not hold the players and supporters in high regard, should even want to be the club's president? Calderon may not have expected his comments to receive the publicity they did, but it does not change the sentiments expressed and whether he is talking to one or one million, he is acting as the President of Real Madrid and surely his actions should always reflect well on the club and be able to bear public scrutiny? Calderon is a buffoon. He should resign. Story here.

update @3.15pm It is reported that Capello may soften his approach to David Beckham. Story here. However, I think this interpretation is optimistic. Capello was asked about Beckham and simply said that nothing could be ruled out. This vague answer may suggest some regret over his previous choice of words, considering he has drawn much criticism and possibly opened the door to legal action, but does it really signal that David Beckham could be allowed to play? Becks has been left out of the squad for tomorrow's game and for the foreseeable future Capello has expressed no intention to consider him. In fact he will count on injured players before he calls upon Becks. I hope, rather than believe, that Capello will have a change of heart.

I have added a few more photos to the training gallery.

An article on AS.com this morning, suggests that the actions taken against David Beckham by Real Madrid may contravene his contract with the club. There is some suggestion from legal experts that Real Madrid's toy throwing tantrum may in fact provide the basis for Becks and his legal team to launch a legal protest. I hope this will be the case and that David Beckham can leave the club and all this unpleasantness behind him. It would be sweet justice if Real Madrid don't get so much as a euro in return.

The Sun have a story about Victoria Beckham's house hunting. For someone who has "already bought a house" she sure is spending a lot of time with real-estate agents!

There are photos of David Beckham picking his sons up from school in the gallery

Also, new training photos in the weekly gallery

update - Calderon continued his slur campaign against David Beckham today, with another attack consisting of flagrant lies. Story here. His claims that David Beckham chose LA Galaxy because there were no other offers is clearly contradicted by the comments from A C Milan's director, Galliani, about the offer that they made to David Beckham which he turned down in favor of playing in the US. Sam Allardyce has also gone on the public record about the approach Bolton made that was declined, as have other Managers. Simon Oliveira, David Beckham's spokesman refused to respond to these pathetic comments, when approached.

Barcelona's Manager, Frank Rijkaard, has voiced his disagreement with the stance taken by Capello over the remainder of David Beckham's contract and his decision not to play him, citing examples of similar situations that he has faced that have been handled in good faith and to the advantage of all. Story here. It is a pity that Real Madrid have neither the ethics or the professionalism to curb their spitefulness.

David Beckham as always continues to conduct himself as a gentleman, he maintains a dignified silence, while continuing to train with the club and today he attended a team lunch in Madrid with the majority of the squad who have shown Becks support:

Defender Ivan Helguera said: “I don’t think these things should happen to a team-mate who has given everything for the club.”

Keeper Iker Casillas added: “It’s very difficult to see a team-mate separated from the squad and made to stay away and train on his own.”

I have added a photo from the lunch to the gallery.

Source

The Sun had a story about fans in the US already queuing up to buy Beckham shirts so I have been checking out gear on Soccer.com
The good news, if you choked on your coffee when you saw the LA Galaxy colors and the "wake the dead" bright yellow home shirt, (what you like that color? ok guess it's just me!) is that the away shirt is much nicer! Several online stores have an option for you to customise the shirt with the name and the number of the player of your choice... no prizes for guessing my choice. So I guess you could order a Beckham number 07 LA Galaxy shirt! There's just two things to consider first:

1. The 2007 season strip may be different, as the LA Galaxy are in the process of a getting a new "front of shirt" sponsor and if that is the case you could end up with a "replica" shirt that David Beckham will in fact never wear.

2. We don't officially know David Beckham's number yet. He has indicated he would like to wear 23 but there has been no formal announcement.

I'm going to hold off but if you don't want to hold off or you want to check the shirts out, just click on a shirt.

David Beckham's spokesman Simon Oliveira has responded to Fabio Capello's accusation that Real Madrid were not advised of David Beckham's plans, he told the media that Real Madrid were advised and that all dealings had been entirely above board. He told the Associated Press (story here)

Until the club sits down with him to address the situation, David will continue to train with Real Madrid until the end of the season with his usual professionalism.

We've done everything above board, Oliveira said. We made our intentions clear to Real Madrid that David wasn't staying at the club before meeting with the Galaxy.

Furthermore, any reports that suggest David's lawyers are speaking to Real Madrid are inaccurate.

It is obvious that Real Madrid are acting out of vindictiveness and greed. The accusation by Capello, designed to justify his petty pronouncement that he would not play David Beckham again, is a new low. Calderon has supported Capello, saying that Beckham's representatives toyed with the club and did not tell them that the Beckhams had already bought a house in LA. Of course at this time, it has been reported that Posh is still house hunting, so comments such as this, which appear fabricated, (the second the Beckhams sign contracts on a LA Home it will be all over the press, as housing contracts are a matter of public record and are filed with the city) make the fact that the club is engaged in underhand tactics painfully obvious. Calderon's comments can be viewed here.

His new comments completely conflict with his initial comments to the official Real Madrid website

"We have to thank Beckham for being a gentleman in the four years he has been at Real Madrid," Calderon told the Real Madrid website.

"Beckham's agent told us that they had a very interesting offer and in the end, it has been the best situation for both parties and we must celebrate it."

What has bought on this public turn around? I have seen some amateur hour PR stunts in my time but the fact that the club is playing fast and loose with the truth now that the value of David Beckham's new contract has been so widely publicised and the club resents that they are to see none of this substantial sum, is so transparent. Real Madrid may have looked foolish for not securing or selling a footballer of David Beckham's standing for a decent transfer fee but to replace foolish, with dishonest, nasty and unprofessional is hardly a way to recover the situation. David Beckham has always been an exemplary professional and he has always given his all for Real Madrid. Calderon had it right when he said David Beckham was a gentleman. It is a pity that he did not have the sense or decency to leave it at that. ESPN have published a good article on this debacle, you can read it here

The MLS commissioner, Don Garber, has refuted claims that David Beckham may leave Real Madrid earlier than expected. He said that the quotes from his office initially reported in Marca, a Madrid newspaper, were fabricated. Full Story here. A spokesman for David Beckham also said that David Beckham would not consider buying out of his contract, so Real Madrid are going to potentially have Becks training with the team and sitting in the stands till the end of the season. In the event of poor results and/or injuries I am sure they will enjoy all the pressure and questions that situation will attract. Let's hope they come to their senses and release him from his contract or adopt a fair and professional approach to him as a player.

David Beckham did indeed train today there are photos in the gallery.

David Beckham attended the Real Madrid game against Zaragoza last night, Real won the game 1 - 0. I've added some photos to the gallery.

He spent time in the dressing-room before the game encouraging the team and wishing them well before heading up to watch the match in a private box. Ruud Van Nistelrooy said

"Before the game he [Beckham] was in the dressing-room wishing us well. His attitude is always good and caring for the team and the club. As players you care for each other... We tried to support him and be there for him. We can't change things unfortunately. He will make a decision. Maybe he has made the decision."

There is still no news of a final resolution of the situation between David Beckham and Real Madrid, since the club has announced he won't play. However, it is thought most likely that David Beckham will go to the US for the start of the season and that Real Madrid as intended from the outset, when they first pushed to have David Beckham make a decsion within the transfer window, will get their grasping hands on a transfer fee. Full details

David Beckham moves for Romeo

There are rumors circulating this morning that the deciding factor in David Beckham's decision to move to Los Angeles was his son Romeo's medical condition. Victoria Beckham revealed last year that Romeo has been diagnosed with Epilepsy and the leading specialists in the illness are located in Los Angeles. Full story here. There is no way to know the accuracy of this report but it is of course possible that this was at the very least a factor, and if so, it certainly should bring shame to those people who have been quick to criticise Becks. As I have said before, it's always impossible to know all the particulars of a situation and people should perhaps consider that before being so quick to form negative opinions. As always our best wishes are with little Romeo, we hope he is feeling well.

Cold Pizza Interview

For anyone who missed David Beckham on ESPN2's Cold Pizza here's his interview and the "Bond-style" montage that was on first.



The Sun are reporting that season ticket sales for the LA Galaxy have gone inter-galactic since the news of Becks joining the club, with those rushing to secure a ticket including celebrities such as Rod Stewart, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Spielberg Story here.

A detailed account of David Beckham's treatment by Real Madrid has been published by John Carlin in The Times. I am grateful that a true and objective account of what has gone on has finally been printed in the media but I am really sad, that Becks has been treated this way not only by Real Madrid but also by England.

The price of having a high profile has been high indeed for David Beckham, he seems to have been the perfect scapegoat, a pawn in the politics of lesser men and he deserved so much better. When you read the story and also consider what happened with the England set-up, over 10 years of total committment and dedication ended in a curt phone-call, it becomes easier and easier to understand why David Beckham is leaving Europe for the new world. A new world would look pretty good and the chance to make a difference for kids might be the perfect challenge. I really hope it works out well for him. He deserves it.

Full story Here.

I've added a few screen shots from David Beckham's press conference and video press release to the Gallery. Tomorrow I'll add some from his appearances on Good Morning America and also ESPN's Cold Pizza.

If, like me, you've been wondering what number Becks is likely to wear for LA Galaxy, he told the Cold Pizza show on ESPN2, that as a big Michael Jordan fan it would be special to him to wear Jordan's number 23 in the US. Still, the 23 shirt is currently occupied by LA Galaxy player Quavas kirk and no number has been formally assigned as yet! Story here.

Finally, David Beckham's wife Victoria arrived in LA yesterday to house hunt etc ahead of their move and the amount of papparazzi in attendance at the airport was just crazy as this picture shows.

Reuters are reporting that David Beckham's new club LA Galaxy will participate in a new tournament called Super Liga which will feature clubs from Mexico and the MLS. The inaugural participants from the MLS are LA Galaxy, D.C. United, FC Dallas and 2006 MLS Cup champions Houston Dynamo.

The Mexican entries will be CONCACAF champions Club America, Copa Sudamericana holders CF Pachuca, Monarcas Morelia and CD Guadalajara. The Tournament is scheduled to begin in late July.

Becks still available for England

David Beckham has told Reuters, that he won't retire from international football, that he is still available for his country and if he got the call that would be great.

Although some will scoff at this and say no scouts will go to the US, there was no indication that any scouts were going to Madrid. Television is a rather useful invention and I think if McClaren has any interest he can tune in. If he has no interest, which seems to be the broad consensus sadly, it doesn't really make a difference if Becks is in London or in Los Angeles.

Sundays headline

Also there are few articles in the Sunday papers which seem a little more reflective, now that the media has semi-recovered from the collective nervous breakdown they experienced when they first heard the details of David Beckham's new contract :)

Headline: Focus: The Beckhams are coming
Source: The Sunday Times

Headline: Entering another galaxy
Source: The Scotsman

Headline: In Lukewarm Los Angeles, hot spots for Beckham
Source: New York Times

Capello has revealed that David beckham will be allowed to train with the team but will not get to play again for Real Madrid. Full story. This is sad news, but under the circumstances it was not a complete surprise and is about what we have come to expect from Capello. Despite the comments that have come from the club about the decision not to renew David Beckham's contract being "mutual", Real Madrid must still be unhappy that David Beckham will leave the club on a free transfer and some form of retaliation was always possible. David Beckham is a consumate professional who would give 110% to the club and for his team-mates, that is irrefutable.

Given this unfortunate and somewhat spiteful turn of events, it might be best for Becks if some arrangement can be made to facilitate an early departure. Becks is scheduled to play a charity match in March at Old Trafford but he will be wanting and needing more game time than that over the next five months!

Update Reports are coming in that David Beckham's new club LA Galaxy will try to bring forward his move to the US in light of this announcement from Capello and Real Madrid. Details here.

Simon Oliveira, David Beckham's representative has told Reuters

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.

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.

It is beyond shabby that Capello has made this announcement without even speaking with David Beckham. Someone within the club needs to remind Capello that this kind of behaviour does not reflect well on Real Madrid.

Todays training report and photos are now online

In bittersweet news, details have emerged of an offer from AC Milan to David Beckham. The club believes they were close to signing him, prior to his final decision to go to LA. All we can hope is that Becks has made the right choice. Story here.

I have put David Beckham's interview from yesterday's press conference, including the first minute where there is no sound (just in case there's any lip readers out there!) on You Tube it's split into two clips - just because file sizes are smaller on you tube for anyone on dial up and you never have any file format issues. The first minute of the first clip doesn't have any audio - I guess someone in Madrid forgot to hit a switch, the audio kicks in after that.

David Beckham participated in a Los Angeles Galaxy press conference via satellite this afternoon. I have added some photos to the Press Conference Gallery. The photos are a little fuzzy and the colors are out because they are photos of David Beckham appearing on a video screen! Don't panic, Becks has not turned orange!

You can read some of his comments online here and also the coverage in The Times.

mlsnet.com have the full press conference available, The BBC have a complete clip of David Beckham's part of the press conference (excluding the first minute where there wasn't any sound), and there are also short clips on TMZ and Reuters.

Becks best mate, Gary Neville has backed his friends decision, (read his comments) and Arsene Wenger has suggested being left out of the England set-up with no road back would have been a big factor in David Beckham's move, full story here.