Beckham not a rival, Figo says

Real Madrid's Luis Figo insists there is no rivalry between himself and David Beckham, and says he will play wherever the coach wants him to.

"I don't think (a rivalry) exists because we play in the same team and we have the same objective," Figo said after a training session here Monday.

"I think everyone wants his integration into the team to be as smooth and fast as possible."

The England's captain's 40 million-dollar transfer from Manchester United has sparked speculation that the two would be forced to fight it out for the right to play in right midfield -- both player's favoured position.

Figo said he would play wherever he was needed.

"During my career I've had to adapt myself to some positions in order to play football and depending on the needs of the team I will play wherever the coach wants me," he said.

Coach Carlos Queiroz has already indicated he is considering switching Beckham to central midfield so Figo can continue on the right-hand side.

Another option could be for Figo to switch to the left flank -- the position he occupied for Portugal's youth team when Queiroz was coach -- with Beckham free to stay on the right side of midfield.

Meanwhile Figo rejected talk that he was unreceptive to Beckham's arrival, saying he probably communicated more with him than most.

"Because I speak a little bit more English I talk a little more with him," he said.

Queiroz warned at the weekend that Beckham and Figo would have to put egos aside for the good of the team.

"What is important to understand is they serve Real Madrid and not themselves," he said. "As coach, when you don't have good players, that is the nightmare."

Real Madrid are in southwestern China for a week-long training session ahead before a series of exhibition matches in Asia.