MADRID, Spain – David Beckham won't play again for Real Madrid after announcing his departure at the end of the season for the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS.
"He is not going to play any more. He will practice, but he is not going to play," coach Fabio Capello said Saturday at a news conference.
Beckham announced this week he will not extend his contract with Real Madrid when it expires in June and is instead leaving for the Galaxy and a five-year deal.
"The player's decision is to go to Los Angeles. He has always been a great professional, but a player who has such a major contract with another team ... we cannot count on him," Capello said. "I think one cannot have the same drive if one is already with another team."
Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, said the 31-year-old midfielder would "continue to give his full commitment and professionalism to the club."
"David is surprised at the quotes from Fabio Capello, as nobody from the club has informed him of their intentions," Oliveira said. "As far as David is aware, he has a contract for the remainder of the season and he remains dedicated to the club and its supporters."
Beckham, who joined Madrid from Manchester United in 2003, has said he plans to leave Real Madrid after his contract expires June 30 and to join the Galaxy in August.
The Galaxy did not immediately respond to phone messages early Saturday morning in Los Angeles.
Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox