David Beckham and Roberto Carlos were given a victorious send-off from the
Bernabeu when they made their final appearances for Real Madrid as the team
grabbed the league title with a 3-1 comeback win over Real Mallorca.
Real Madrid's Roberto Carlos (L)
looks at David Beckham as he celebrates with his children after their
victory over Real Mallorca at the end of their Spanish First Division
soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid June 17, 2007.
Real Madrid defeated Real Mallorca 3-1 to win their 30th
league.[Reuters]
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Former England captain Beckham was
given a massive cheer by the 76,000 fans crammed into the Real Madrid stadium on
Sunday when he limped off the pitch with his side losing 1-0 midway through the
second half.
But the 32-year-old achieved his ambition of winning a major trophy before
leaving the nine-times European champions when his side produced their customary
late show to roar to victory over the islanders.
"I'm so happy, it's incredible and great to have all the family here,"
Beckham told reporters as he took to the pitch draped in a flag of St George and
accompanied by his three sons to celebrate after Real's victory.
Romeo, Brooklyn and Cruz accompanied their father with shirts bearing his
number 23 and the word "Daddy" on the back as the midfielder did a lap of honour
and then kissed the pitch as he bade farewell to the assembled Real fans.
Beckham's wife Victoria watched on from the stands with friends Tom Cruise
and Katie Holmes who are expected to introduce the couple to the Hollywood
social scene when they move to Los Angeles.
"It has been an incredible experience but all I'll remember now are the great
things and the good things because winning this tonight puts to bed everything
else," Beckham said.
Beckham played 157 games for Real in total but his only previous trophy was
the Spanish Super Cup which he won when they beat Mallorca shortly after signing
for the club from Manchester United in 2003.
Roberto Carlos, in contrast, ended 11 years at the Bernabeu with more than
500 games under his belt, four league titles and three European Cups.
The Brazilian won his first league title for Real a decade ago in Fabio
Capello's first spell as coach of the Spanish giants.
"You have to enjoy a moment like this, but I think I'll be crying later when
I speak to my family " said the 34-year-old Brazilian who has signed a two-year
deal with Turkish side Fenerbahce.
"I hope the Bernabeu will always be like this, this was a very important
title for the club."