Capello re-assures ‘important’ Beckham over Bernabeu future

FABIO CAPELLO has indicated Cristiano Ronaldo would be welcome to join his Real Madrid revolution, but has assured David Beckham his Bernabeu future is not under threat.

The Italian coach could not hide his delight at being back at the “most important club in the world” after signing a three-year contract with Real yesterday.

Speculation as to which players he will look to bring to Madrid is rife but the former AC Milan coach was coy when quizzed on his future plans.

Capello was asked about Manchester United winger Ronaldo, who is thought to be unsettled at Old Trafford.

“He is a Manchester United player. Everyone wants to come to play here and I think he really wants to and this is good news for me,” said Capello.

“We will have to wait and see but at the moment I cannot say anything.”

While new arrivals are likely, Capello also has plenty of talent at his disposal in the current squad. There remains talk of upheaval, however, with several departures mooted. The 60-year-old Italian refused to speculate but did move to reassure fans that Beckham would be staying.

“There’s no Beckham problem He is important for Real Madrid,” Capello said.

Capello’s unwillingness to reveal his list of transfer targets is in stark contrast to newly-elected president Ramon Calderon, who appeared on English television yesterday and spoke candidly about the subject.

It landed him in hot water as Chelsea have lodged an official complaint with FIFA regarding an alleged illegal approach for Holland winger Arjen Robben. But the Madrid president insists there is no case to answer as, if he had made contact, it occurred before he came to power.

“I have never spoken to any player,” he said. “Before I became president, he was a dream like any other and as far as I know it’s not illegal to talk. Now that I am president, I will never stray from the legal path.”

With an ageing squad at his disposal, Capello — who resigned his post at Juventus on Tuesday — knows he has his work cut out but insists he is up for the challenge. He said: “I am really looking forward to starting work with the team that we have planned. This is the most important club in the world and we have to return to winning titles.”

Capello admitted there could be bargains to be had at his previous club, who are facing the possibility of relegation due to allegations of match-fixing.

“Every club is looking for players from Juventus, especially when you consider eight Juve players will be in the World Cup final,” said Capello.

One of those eight is France midfielder Patrick Vieira.

“I acquired Vieira while at Juve. He had back problems but I’m really happy with the tournament he is having at the World Cup. The problem is that we can’t sign every player,” Capello added.

As for his current squad, Capello was asked about the situation regarding veteran Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos, who has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea. “The problem with Roberto Carlos is that he has many requests from many clubs, especially an English one. We will meet him and decide,” Capello said.