Real Madrid's Mijatovic admits not signing Beckham a 'mistake'

Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic admits he made "a mistake" by failing to secure David Beckham's long-term future at the Bernabeu.

The former England captain will head to Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer at the end of the season after failing to agree a contract extension with the Spanish club.

Former Madrid striker Mijatovic admits media comments during negotiations "confused" all parties.

"When the season started we wanted David to stay, although we couldn't arrive at an agreement," he told The Sun. "Looking back I realize that it was a mistake not to talk things through clearly."

"The comments in the press from me, the president and his agent confused the player and us and because of that mistakes were made."

Beckham, the former England captain, ended up signing a contract worth an estimated $248 million with the Galaxy.