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Beckham gets shirty over Real sniping
(sportinglife.com)
Updated: 2004-11-23 10:11

David Beckham is confident he can do more than sell shirts for Real Madrid.


Real Madrid player David Beckham, from England, on his knees during a League soccer match against FC Barcelona in Camp Nou Stadium, Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004. [AP]

The England captain's inclusion in the Real team brushed aside 3-0 by Spanish League rivals Barcelona at the weekend was described in the press as little more than a means of selling Madrid merchandise to global consumers.

But Beckham himself has no doubts about his credentials solely as a player.

"It doesn't worry me, because people were saying I am here to sell shirts before I arrived in Madrid. I personally don't believe I am," he said.

"I enjoy my football here in Spain and I believe if I'm playing well I will get in the team."

Beckham has had a difficult 2004 so far after defying many critics last season when he first arrived at Real.

The 29-year-old former Manchester United darling admits he is still short of his best following his recent rib injury.

He was ineffective in England's 1-0 defeat by Spain in the Bernabeu last week and was then substituted by Real after only 54 minutes on Saturday and replaced by his international team-mate Michael Owen.

"My fitness is not what it used to be - but that is from being out for so long," he explained.

"It's up to me to work hard in games and in training to get my fitness back."



 
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