Calderon: Beckham is vital to Real

11 oktober 2006, 17:34

Koen Freriks

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is confident David Beckham will sign a new two-year contract at the Bernabeu, calling him the one of most important players at the club.

Beckham's future at the Spanish giants is the cause for much speculation, having lost his first-team place under new coach Fabio Capello this season and with his contract running out next summer.

But Calderon insists Beckham, who penned a four-year deal when joining Real from Manchester United in 2003, is still a vital part of the Real machine.

'I think Beckham, from the point of view of the fan, is one of the most important players at Real Madrid,' Calderon said in an interview on Realmadrid TV to mark his 100th day in charge. 'I speak as a fan and as the president of Real Madrid.

"For many reasons - commercial and sporting. But Beckham would be nothing commercially if he wasn't for his sporting ability.'