Beckham extends Real stay

Former England captain David Beckham has signed a two-year contract extension with Real Madrid, according to Spanish media reports.

Spanish daily Marca quotes Real president Ramon Calderon as telling Television Espanola that 31-year-old Beckham has committed himself to the club until 2009.

Calderon told the TV channel that the decision was taking purely on sporting terms even though Beckham’s marketing value is immense to Real.

“Obviously it’s for sporting reasons,” said Calderon.

“Marketing is important but at Real Madrid the most important thing is the sporting factor and the technical (coaching) department gave the green light to renew Beckham's deal.”