Beckham: ‘No rift with Fergie’

DAVID BECKHAM again insisted that he had left Manchester United on amicable terms, adding there was no rift between him and Alex Ferguson.

On the day he was formally introduced as a Real Madrid player, the England captain stressed his continued respect.

Speaking on MUTV Beckham said: "People have always said the manager and me have had our ups and downs and of course we have. That's part and parcel of life in general.

"The manager and me have always had a good relationship. He's the reason I joined United, apart from it obviously being the club I supported.

"He is the reason why I am the player I am today. He wouldn't have put me in the team at 17 or 18 if he didn't have a good feeling about me.

"He has always been a father figure to me. I will never forget that. Sometimes you are out of the team and of course being the person and player I am I like to be involved in every game possible.

"When you are left out of a game you are disappointed but there are great players at United and you have to accept it and get on with it, which is what I did.

"I am sure it will happen at Real Madrid. I am sure I won't play every game. That's football."

Beckham who will wear the number 23 shirt at Real Madrid next season was officially unveiled to more than 500 journalists from 25 countries at the club's basketball stadium yesterday.

"Beckham is here because we believe in him as a footballer. David, welcome to the dream league," Real's president, Florentino Perez, said.

The 28-year-old midfielder was handed the Real number 23 shirt by Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano, the Argentine striker who made the club such a force in the 1950s and 1960s.

Beckham joins Real's modern galaxy of stars which includes Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo, Raul and Roberto Carlos and insisted that he 'couldn't wait' to get started.

Beckham made a short speech, revealing it was a 'dream' to join the Spanish giants. "Of course I love my family. I have a wonderful life, but football is everything to me and joining Real Madrid is a dream come true," he said.

"I would like to say thank you to everyone for joining me in my arrival. Gracias hala Madrid!"

Real president Florentino Perez added: "We are unveiling this great player. who is going to become part of the club's great history.

"He is a man of our times and a symbol of modern-day stardom and Real have signed Beckham because he's a great footballer and a very dedicated professional.

"His team spirit is unsurpassed and he is one of the best English players of all-time and if only because of that he is with us.

"We love Beckham because he makes us the best team on and off the pitch."

Beckham admitted he was sad to leave Old Trafford, but is excited at the prospect of playing for Real.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge on the field. And living in Spain has always interested me so I'm looking forward to it," he told MUTV.

"It's going to be an honour playing for Real and it is such an exciting experience for me.

"There were a couple of clubs interested. There was Barcelona but also AC Milan and Inter, but Real was the one that really interested me.

"I've spent 13 or 14 years at Man Utd. It's been a massive part of my life and will always be, but I have to move on, as do Man Utd.

"I'm going to miss the players, It is really hard because I regard all the players as family and to be leaving like this is sad for me."

Beckham will join his new team-mates for pre-season training later in July under new Real coach Carlos Queiroz, who was Sir Alex Ferguson's number two at Manchester United last season.

Beckham admitted he found it hard to accept his Manchester United career was in the past and that he was leaving behind his team-mates from the class of '92.

From that successful group of young players Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil, went on to establish themselves in the first team. am going to miss the players I have grown up with," said Beckham on the programme Farewell to the Fans.

"To be part of them and to grow up with them has been a great pleasure and a great honour. They will always be friends to me.

"I am the first of the six to leave and it is hard. It is really hard.

"I regard all the players as family, more than anything. To be leaving like this is sad for me.

"I have spent 14 years at Manchester United and have always been a supporter and will always follow them.

"For me it has been a massive part of my life and will remain a big part of my life.

"Life goes on and I have to move on and Manchester United will move on."

Beckham believes that under captain Roy Keane United can progress.

"He will lead them on to every success. They are great players, great lads and (it is) something I will always miss.

"Sometimes people don't realise how much winning things means to players after you do it so many times. But believe me the players adore it.

"I have so many great memories and United will always have a special place in my heart."