Real prepare to move on from shock of Beckham decision

MADRID, Jan 23 (Reuters) Real Madrid will discuss with David Beckham how to deal with the remaining six months of his contract, aiming to find a solution acceptable to both parties, director Predrag Mijatovic was quoted as saying today.

The former England captain was immediately dropped from the squad after rejecting an extension to his deal in favour of a move to the Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season.

Real coach Fabio Capello said Beckham would not play for the side again, though the Italian's stance has softened in recent days.

''The truth is we all felt a little betrayed. Capello's comments (that he would not play again) need to be understood in context. To be angry is a normal reaction,'' Mijatovic told sports daily AS today.

''In October, we made him an offer for a two-year contract extension. He wanted to wait, among other reasons, to see if he was going to be a regular starter.

''A few weeks later we met again. We agreed there would be no extension and an hour later he made it public that he had signed with the Americans. We couldn't believe it. Now everything has calmed down we'll sit down with him and try to find a solution.'' Beckham has started only five league matches this season.

Real's next game is away to Villarreal in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Reuters PM DS1653