Beckham signs up for €35m Real deal
As the midfield superstar jetted off yesterday for a promotional tour of the Far East, the club and player finally ended two months of speculation surrounding his future.
The England captain is expected to be unveiled at the Bernabeu on July 2, after agreeing terms with the nine-time European champions.
Beckham had been the central figure in Joan Laporta's successful campaign for the presidency of Barcelona, but the midfielder has snubbed the Catalan club to sign for their arch-rivals.
A statement from his old club said: "Manchester United today reached agreement for the transfer of David Beckham to Real Madrid for a fee of 35 million.
"The deal is expected to be completed in July. David Beckham has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and expects to sign his new contract with the club on completion."
Beckham's relationship with the club he had supported as a boy and its manager Sir Alex Ferguson had become increasingly strained, and it was always a matter of when, and not if, he left Old Trafford.
However, Beckham held out an olive branch to Ferguson as he left.
He said: "I would like to publicly thank Sir Alex Ferguson for making me the player I am today.
"I will always hold precious memories of my time at Manchester United and Old Trafford, as well as the players, who I regard as part of my family, and the brilliant fans who have given me so much support over the years.
"I wish Manchester United the best of luck and led by such an inspirational captain as Roy Keane, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength."
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