Injury boost for birthday-boy Becks

David Beckham has been handed a boost on his 30th birthday with the news that the foot injury he picked up in the weekend clash at Real Sociedad is not as serious as first thought.

Beckham was left hobbling following a 20th minute collision with Sociedad midfielder Valery Karpin during the match in San Sebastian on Saturday.

The England captain played on despite the pain and was rewarded as his side claimed a 2-0 win which keeps them within reach of leaders Barcelona.

Tests have now established that early reports which suggested Beckham could have suffered a hairline fracture of his big toe were wide of the mark, and the star is actually suffering from a mild form of arthritis, which is affecting the ligament in his toe.

“The doctors are optimistic that he will be fit in time to play the next game against Racing (Santander) and above all, Beckham wants to play,” announced Real Madrid’s website www.realmadrid.com.

Beckham was linked with a move to Arsenal over the weekend following reported comments by Gunners coach Arsene Wenger that he was interested in signing the England captain.

The midfielder says he is not going anywhere, however.

“When I leave here, I want to say that I have had one very good season for Real Madrid, winning the league, the cup and the Champions League,” Beckham said.

“Fortunately I will be here for several more years and I want to win something important.”

Beckham was outstanding when he first joined Madrid but tailed off near the end of last season and his less-than-dazzling form carried over into the current campaign.

He has rediscovered his top form of late, however, and is one of the main reasons why Madrid have a faint hope of capturing the title.

They trail Barcelona by six points with four games remaining.

“I want the league, because it is important for me and for my club,” he said.

“I have only one dream and that is to win the league title,” said Beckham, whose only achievement while a Madrid player is last season’s Spanish Supercup triumph.

With two more seasons on his contract, Beckham continues to insist he is happy with his life in Spain and that neither he, nor his family, have any plans to abandon Madrid.

“I have got everything here, I have a marvellous wife and children, my life in Madrid is very happy,” he said.

“The fact that my wife has been able to get used to life in Spain is one of the things that has made me happiest in recent months. I am fine and that is why I have only one wish, to win the league.”

Beckham also says he is not worried about reaching an age when many footballers first begin to think about hanging up their boots.

“I am very good at my 30 years,” he said. “I can say that I am in my best possible shape since I left Manchester United.

“I am at an age where I should be playing my best football. Also I can play better because I have got more experience.

“I hope that I can continue playing for six or seven more years.”