Beckham move is a Real deal

"The deal is expected to be completed in July, conditional upon approval by the boards of Manchester United and Real Madrid, and on the provision of satisfactory payment guarantees," the Premiership club said in a statement on Tueday evening.

"David Beckham has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid and expects to sign his new contract with the club on completion."

Beckham's future had been the subject of vast media speculation both in the British and Spanish press an it comes as no suprise to see him leave Old Trafford.

Beckham said: "I would like to publicly thank Sir Alex Ferguson for making me the player I am today.

"I will always hold precious memories of my time at Manchester United and Old Trafford as well as the players, who I regard as part of my family, and the brilliant fans who have given me so much support over the years and continue to do so.

"I recognise that this is an amazing opportunity for me at this stage in my career and a unique and exciting experience for my family.

"I know that I will always regret it later in life if I had turned down the chance to play at another great club like Real Madrid, which also has world-class players. "I would like to thank other clubs who were interested in signing me including Barcelona and I wish them every success in the future, but I really want to play in the Champions League.

"I wish Manchester United the best of luck and led by such an inspirational captain as Roy Keane, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength."

The United boss added: "I've known David since he was 11 years of age, and it's been a pleasure to see him grow and develop into the player he has become.

"David has been an integral part of all the successes that Manchester United have achieved in the last decade. I would like to wish him and his family every success in the future, and thank him for his service to the club."

Peter Kenyon, United chief executive, said: "While we are sad to see David go after so many great years at Old Trafford, we believe this is a good deal for the club, and we now look forward to building on the success of last season's championship title.

"We wish David all the best in his new career in Spain and thank him for his fantastic contribution to the team's achievements in the last decade.

"We have worked closely with David's advisors throughout the past few weeks and thank them for their co-operation."

Under the terms of the agreement, 7.5m euros (£5.2m) of the total fee will be paid upon completion of the sale, and 17.5m euros (£12.24) over the following four years in equal instalments. The remaining 10m euros (£7m) are conditional upon Real Madrid's performances in the UEFA Champions League.

The deal means that 1.25m euros (£870,000) is payable in each of the next four seasons conditional on Real Madrid qualifying for the Champions League, and a further 1.25m euros is payable each season conditional on Real Madrid reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League over the same period. 

Real Madrid sporting director Jorge Valdano was delighted with the coup. He told the club's website: "We are extremely pleased with David's arrival. It is a strategic signing that will contribute to the club and the team becoming more competitive.

"Our relationship with Manchester United has been reinforced with this agreement, but there is no doubt that David's firm and unequivocal wish to play at Real Madrid has been the reason that this deal has been possible."

David Beckham - Stat Pack

Nationality: English
Place of Birth: Leytonstone
Date of Birth: 2 May 1975
Weight: 11 13
Height: 6' 0''
Club: Manchester United
Position: Midfielder

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