Del Bosque & Valdano Hail Beckham Signing

Real Madrid's manager Vicente Del Bosque and sporting director Jorge Valdano have both hailed the signing of David Beckham.

Del Bosque, who isn't certain of holding onto his place as manager at the Santiago Bernabeu, told the club's website: "The acquisition of Beckham is in keeping with the philosophy of our president Florentino Perez since he arrived here."

"He's a football icon and a great player. He's a player that is not limited to one particular part of the field. He's a midfielder that can play in different positions,"

Since Perez took charge of the Spanish giants he has signed on big name each summer. Luis Figo was the first to arrive from Barcelona, while Zinedine Zidane joined from Juventus a year later. Ronaldo was added to the all-star team last summer and now Beckham has joined the impressive set-up.

Del Bosque added that the signing benefits the club both on and off the pitch.

"We are extremely pleased with David's arrival. It is a strategic signing that will contribute to the club and the team becoming more competitive," Valdano added on Real's website.

"Our relationship with Manchester United has been reinforced with this agreement, but there is no doubt that David's firm and unequivocal wish to play at Real Madrid has been the reason that this deal has been possible."