Real captain offers Beckham muted welcome

Real Madrid captain Fernando Hierro said on Wednesday the team had no time to think about David Beckham with the league title still up for grabs.

Beckham's signing from Manchester United was announced on Tuesday, five days before Real's decisive final league game at home to Athletic Bilbao, a match they need to win to be certain of claiming the championship.

"We don't have much to say about the reinforcements brought in by the club," was Hierro's curt response to a question about Beckham.

"We understand he's a great player and we wish him the best but he's not going to help us win the league. Next season we'll welcome him like any other player."