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Beckham wants to regain place

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-11-07 08:50

MADRID, Nov 6 - David Beckham is waiting to see if he can regain his place in the Real Madrid first team before deciding if he will extend his contract with the club, according to the sporting director Predrag Mijatovic.

"We want to renew his contract and we have had several meetings with his people," Mijatovic told Spanish television Sexta on Sunday night.

"On our part there is no problem, but we have to listen to the player too.

"He has been unlucky in that he hasn't won any trophies in the last three years and he is a little sad because he isn't taking part as much as he would like."

The former England captain joined Real from Manchester United on a four-year contract in 2003 but his arrival coincided with a downturn in fortunes for the Primera Liga side who have not won a major trophy since.

A fixture in the Real first team for the past three seasons, the 31-year-old has lost his place since Italian coach Fabio Capello took charge of the team and has started just three of his side's nine league games in the present campaign.

"The situation could change, but we can't guarantee anyone a place in the first team," said Mijatovic. "He wants to continue, but as long as he is playing. He wants to wait a little longer to see if he gets back in the team.

"I believe that he will stay in the end, because the atmosphere in the team is very good and will allow him to experience something good here."

Beckham quit as England captain after the World Cup and has not made the squad since.