Beckham joins Real Madrid

[Obri]

This is dominating the news throughout the UK this morning:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/39133000/jpg/_39133618_becks_posh_la_ap33.jpg
England captain David Beckham has agreed a four-year contract with Real Madrid.
Manchester United confirmed to the London Stock Exchange on Wednesday that they will sell the 28-year-old midfielder to the Spanish giants for a fee of £24.5m.

A statement from the club said: "David Beckham has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and expects to sign his new contract with the club on completion.

"The deal is expected to be completed in July, conditional upon approval by the boards of Manchester United and Real Madrid, and on the provision of satisfactory payment guarantees.

"The proceeds of the sale will be used to support Manchester United's business development, including continuing to maintain its playing success at the highest levels of the game."

Peter Kenyon, chief executive of Manchester United, said: "While we are sad to see David go after so many great years at Old Trafford, we believe this is a good deal for the club, and we now look forward to building on the success of last season's championship title.

"We wish David all the best in his new career in Spain and thank him for his fantastic contribution to the team's achievements in the last decade."

Beckham's future has been the source of intense media speculation in recent weeks, with a number of top clubs interested in capturing the player.

Barcelona had seemingly stolen the initiative over their Spanish rivals as well as the likes of AC Milan and Inter by agreeing a deal with Manchester United.

But Real Madrid, who initially denied they wanted to sign him, swooped late to lure Beckham to the Bernabeu, where he will play alongside superstars Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Raul.

Beckham is currently embarking on a tour of the Far East having just returned from the United States.

But he is expected to be unveiled at Real's headquarters on 2 July after undergoing a medical.

News of Beckham's move to Real Madrid will come as a bitter blow to fierce rivals Barca - and new president Joan Laporta in particular.

Laporta based his whole presidential campaign on his promise that he would bring the world's most high-profile footballer to the Nou Camp.

Manchester United are expected to step up their bid to bring Ronaldinho to Old Trafford and will use the rest of the money they receive for Beckham to strengthen their squad.

[PissedPrincess]

You beat me to it Obes. I guess $41 mil was more precious than Ole Trafford?

How do you feel about this? This would be like Pedro being a Yank no?

[TXRangers]

Who is she?

He is making some good money I hope to move to Real. Does all the buyout go to the old club, right? I hope it is a good move for him.

TXRangers:fro:

[PissedPrincess]

She is his wife Posh Spice, of the Spice girls.

[TXRangers]

I didn't recognize her, but now that you said that she is. Thanks PP!!!

TXRangers:fro:

[Obri]

Well PP, I wouldn't say it's like Pedro going to the Yanks. Both teams will play in the Champions League next year, but there's no guarantee they'll ever play each other, although I think they've been drawn against each other twice in the last 4 years.

However, all the talk now focuses on who Man U are gonna get to replace him. There are 2 in the frame, with the distinct possibility that they might get both. Firstly, the Brazilian Ronaldinho, who for around £10million(around $15million) would be fantastic business. Also being considered is Leeds United's Australian international Harry Kewell. Now PP, if Kewell rejects the contract offer made to him by Leeds to become their highest paid player ever, and joins Man Utd, that would be like Pedro joining the Yanks. The abuse would be intolerable. But Arsenal are also in the frame to sign him, so we'll see how that pans out.

Tex, all the money in the deal goes to Manchester United. I can't recall exactly, but the £25million is to be paid in instalments over 4 years, with a certain amount dependant on Real's progress in European competition over the next few years, which rest assured will not be hampered by Beckham's arrival.

I also think that Victoria, his wife, had a lot to do with the move. For years, rumours have been circulating that she wanted to live somewhere more glamorous, and more importantly, warmer than Manchester.

Beckham is, in my opinion, the best crosser of a ball in the world today, and Real Madrid, being the best club in the world, are the only team he would have left Manchester for.

[PissedPrincess]

Beckham=Frontrunner.:angry:

[RockieBill]

Whoever she is, she'd blind a lot of oncoming drivers with those bright headlights...

:freak:

[Obri]

You said it Bill.:D