Beckham says he wants to stay with Madrid for rest of his career

David Beckham says he hopes to end his career with Real Madrid, a month after he suggested he may leave the Spanish club.

"I want to stay here as long as I can. I've played for Manchester United . . . I've captained my country and to end my career in Real Madrid, the best club in the world, would please me more than anything," Beckham said Wednesday.

"I have two years left on my contract in Madrid and I want to stay until I finish playing football."

Beckham, who joined Madrid two years ago from Manchester United, suggested last month that he was reconsidering his future in Spain because photographers had harassed his children.

That prompted British papers to renew speculation about a possible return to the Premier League. Beckham rejected the possibility Wednesday.

"My family are very happy in Madrid, my house is lovely, the children are very happy and my wife is very happy," he said.

Beckham also spoke of the allegations made by the family's former nanny, Abbie Gibson, to British tabloid News of the World about his marriage. Beckham and his wife are suing Gibson for breach of confidentiality.

Beckham said Wednesday that it was "unbelievable" that the nanny sold the story, published last Sunday.

"When you invite people into your home to look after your children ... you need to be able to trust them," Beckham said.

Beckham said he preferred to limit his comments because of legal considerations.

"What I will say, though, is that the reason I keep my mind on football is that me and my wife are happy. We are normal people, although people might not think that. Of course we have arguments like everybody, but, at the end of the day, I know that I love my wife," he said.

The midfielder, who has yet to win a major trophy with Madrid, is enjoying an upsurge in form, helping the team win its past five Spanish league games. Madrid is six points behind league leader FC Barcelona with five games remaining.

"I'm very happy with my football at present," Beckham said. "I feel great and my fitness is great - it has been for the last two or three months and probably it's the best it has been for a long time."

Beckham turns 30 on Monday.