Real Madrid won’t sign Beckham, says Figo

FORMER World and European Footballer of the Year Luis Figo does not believe that Real Madrid will sign David Beckham.

Figo has dismissed suggestions that he is on his way to Old Trafford as part of the deal to take the England captain to La Liga and claims that the financial crisis in football makes the proposal extremely unlikely. Indeed, the Portuguese international does not believe that the arrival of the Manchester United star would be of any benefit to the European champions. “I am not leaving Real Madrid until my contract finishes in three years.

“I am very happy here because I am with the best club in the world. I am not worried if Beckham does come to Real Madrid,” the 31-year-old said yesterday. “If the president thinks it is important for us, it is OK with me, but I don’t think it is necessary for the team at this moment.

“But football is in crisis and I don’t think Real Madrid will take such a big economic step.

“If he does come, I will not be leaving and I am confident of my place in the team. I still sleep well at night despite the rumours. I am feeling relaxed because I know I will still be a Madrid player next season.”

Figo, who is contracted until 2006, also has a €180 million withdrawal clause, should he be forced to leave Real before that date.

Meanwhile, Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo has moved quickly to dismiss talk that he wants to leave AC Milan after he was quoted as saying that he was keen on joining Liverpool.

However, Rivaldo insisted yesterday the paper made the story up and that he was perfectly settled at Milan.

“I have no intention of leaving Milan as I am very happy here,” said the 30-year-old former European Footballer of the Year.

“I have not spoken to any English journalists lately. The last contact I had with an English journalist was two months ago at an event organised by my sponsor, and on that occasion I gave no indication that my future was away from Milan.”