Becks spurred on by fear of failure

England captain David Beckham admits he is desperate to avoid ending his career “with a period of failure” at Real Madrid.

Beckham has yet to win a trophy at Madrid since joining in 2003 and his team-mates have struggled again this season, trailing champions Barcelona in the league and exiting the Copa Del Rey last week.

Ahead of next week’s Champions League last-16 showdown against Arsenal, Beckham – who won domestic and European honours at Manchester United – has admitted his frustration at failing to win any silverware.

“I don’t want my career here to be associated with a period of failure,” he told the Daily Mirror. “I don’t want us to be second best to anyone. I would be gutted if I finished my career here without winning anything.”