Real confident on Beckham deal despite departure rumours

MADRID, Oct 26 (Reuters) Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon remains confident that David Beckham will sign a contract renewal with the club despite reports the former England captain may leave the Primera Liga side.

''I believe that Beckham will stay, I'm almost certain and I form part of the agreement,'' Calderon told reporters when presenting an agreement between the club and the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) to foster Olympic ideals today.

''It's normal that these things (rumours about Beckham's departure) happen. I believe David is happy at Real Madrid and we are happy with him and so it would be normal for us to continue together.

''We are a well-matched marriage, just like that between Real Madrid and the Spanish Olympic Committee.'' Beckham, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has lost his place in the Real first team, starting just two of the side's last eight matches.

Last week, he said he would work hard to regain his place, but hinted that his willingness to sign a contract extension might change if he remained on the bench for a prolonged period.

''I have to keep working hard,'' he told the Sexta television channel. ''At the moment it has only been five or six games on the bench. If it was 10 or 12 it would be different, but I will be working hard.'' Reuters DH DB2125