David Beckham has admitted the thought of never playing for Real Madrid again "hurt a lot" when manager Fabio Capello froze him out of first-team duty earlier this season.

The former England captain endured some uncertainity with his Spanish club after signing a contract worth an estimated $248 million with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.

After Beckham signed with the Galaxy, Capello said the star had played his last game for the Spanish team

Speaking to British television station Sky Sports 2, the former Manchester United midfielder conceded that he was shocked.

"I was really surprised. He (Capello) has always been pretty fair with me," Beckham said. "He's been really respectful of me as a person and a player and that's why it was such a surprise. But he's shown what sort of a person and man - and manager - he is now.

"I was thinking I would never play (for Real) again and it was hurting me a lot."

But Beckham continued to train hard and eventually convinced the Italian manager that he was worthy of a recall before dramatically scoring upon his return to the lineup.

Beckham, 31, refused to criticize Capello when he was stuck on the sidelines, explaining that he has too much respect to lash out at his boss.

"I'm thankful (to Capello). I would never come out publicly and criticize him," Beckham said. "He's too respected in the game and I respect him. (I reacted) the same way I've always come back from things, like whenever people say I'm not up to the job. I proved to him I am a professional. I think he said, 'How can he be committed to the team when he's signed to someone else?'"

"But I proved I am committed; it doesn't matter if I'm going. I'll still go flying into tackles and try and win something with this team."

Now Beckham, who has just returned to the side after a knee injury, will play a part in Real's unlikely bid for the Primera Liga title and get the chance to compete once again in what he considers to be one of the world's finest sporting arenas.

"For me playing at the Bernabeu is one of the best feelings in the world," Beckham said. "I always loved playing at the Bernabeu and when I look back, playing at the Bernabeu will be the highlight of playing at Madrid except, obviously, for wearing the famous white shirt."