Real Madrid fans not upset about Beckham departure

By Duncan Shaw Jan 12, 2007, 11:14 GMT

Madrid - Most Real Madrid fans are not upset about the impending departure of David Beckham to Los Angeles.

This is the message which emerges from an online poll taken by the digital version of sports daily Marca.

In the poll, Marca readers are asked whether they think Real will miss Beckham or not.

23,396 readers had responded to the poll by Friday morning, with 66.75 per cent of them saying no, the club would not miss him.

Indeed, Thursday's news that Beckham would be joining Los Angeles Galaxy in June has been greeted with a relief of indifference and relief by the 'madridista' fans.

SMS messages sent to Marca and other websites show that most Real fans broadly agree with coach Fabio Capello's policy of showing the ageing 'galacticos' the door.

Some 'aficionados' want Brazilian striker Ronaldo to stay, but practically none have expressed regret at Beckham's decision not to renew his Real contract.

Beckham has not been unpopular with the Real fans. Most appreciate how his presence has helped the club's global merchandising strategy.

In addition, the 'madridistas' have been appreciative of Beckham's fighting spirit on the hallowed Bernabeu pitch - not to mention his famed deadball skills.

However, the former England captain has the dubious distinction of being the only foreigner in Real's proud history not to help the club to win a single trophy.

Madrid radio station Cadena COPE stated on Friday that 'in strictly footballing terms, it must be said that Beckham has not been a great success.'

A broader judgement is offered by Marca columnist David Padilla on Friday.

'To have renewed Beckham's contract simply in order to make more money would have been a major error,' says Padilla.

'The club has infinite ways to increase it's income. It is undeniable that Real will lose a lot economically with Beckham's exit, but Real is a football team rather than a company.'