David Beckham said on Monday that Real Madrid are interested in extending his contract.
”The club have said they want to talk to me about signing a new deal and I am very happy to do that,” Beckham said. ”My life here is perfect and I’m happy at Real Madrid, so of course I want to stay as long as I can.
”We have spoken about a meeting in the next couple of months, but we’ll just have to wait because we’ve got so many matches and I need to concentrate on the football for now.”
News reports said last month that Madrid wanted to tie Beckham up for a further two years. This would take him through to 2009, when he will be 34.
Beckham joined Madrid from Manchester United on a four-year contract in 2003. While he hasn’t helped the club win a major trophy, his global fame has been credited with boosting its finances.
The England captain has appeared happier at Madrid since the appointment of coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo last December, praising the Brazilian for improving the team’s fitness and performances.
Previously, he had been reported at various times to be considering a move back to England.
Beckham’s decision to give his third son, born in February, the Spanish name of Cruz has also been interpreted as a sign he is more comfortable.
”Obviously, the football side of things is better now. I think I am always going to have problems with the paparazzi. There are two men who have been outside my house for the last two years, which is frightening at times. But it is my life and I accept that,” the midfielder said.
Madrid are third in the Spanish league, three points behind leaders Celta Vigo, after five rounds. They host Olympiakos on Wednesday in the Champions League. — Sapa-AP