Real Madrid president keen for Beckham to stay

Sep 23, 2006, 15:31 GMT

Madrid - Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said on Saturday that he was 'really keen' for David Beckham to extend his contract at the club.

Calderon expects Beckham, 31, to finish his career at Real Madrid and believes the midfielder is still a key player for the club.

The Spanish giants are hoping to conclude negotiations over a new contract for the former England captain in the coming weeks.

Real are keen to retain the ex-Manchester United ace for a further three years, and Beckham appears happy to stay at the Bernabeu.

Real have won no titles since signing Beckham from Manchester United in 2003, and Capello was planning again to leave him on the bench for Saturday's crucial game away to Betis.

Calderon outlined Beckham's importance to the club and is confident Beckham will conclude his glittering career in the Spanish capital.

'He's very important for us,' the Real president said. 'Perhaps he has been one of the best players we have had in the last 15, 20 years.

Calderon was, as always, quick to deny that Beckham was more important to Real for shirt sales than for performances on the pitch.

'He's very important for us, not only from a commercial point of view, but also on the pitch. He is one of the best players in the world, no doubt about that.

'The idea is for him to sign a new contract for two or three years and that's the end.

'He said he wants to finish his career in three years' time and that will be perfect for us.'

Beckham started Real's last Primera Liga game against Real Sociedad on the bench before coming on to score a late goal.

Calderon feels the midfielder will continue to prove his worth for Real and will remain a key player in coach Fabio Capello's plans.

'With 22 players it is impossible for all of them to play every match,' he said.

'I have been talking about that with Capello and he agrees that Beckham is one of the most important players with Real Madrid.'