Real coach calls time on Beckham

"Beckham will train with the team but he won't play," said Capello.

He added: "A player who has such an important contract with another club, we cannot count on him."

But Beckham's spokesman Simon Oliveira said: "David is surprised at the quotes from Capello as no-one from the club has informed him of this decision."

Oliveira added: "As far as David is aware he has a contract for the remainder of the season and he remains dedicated to the club and the supporters.

"He will continue to give his full commitment in a professional manner to the club."

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The 31-year-old former England captain has agreed a five-year contract with the Galaxy worth around £128m.

Capello continued: "The fact he wanted to go was down to him, not to me."

Galaxy may now even look to take him to California in time for the start of the MLS season in April.

Asked whether Beckham might leave the Bernabeu before the end of his contract, Capello said: "You will have to ask Beckham that question."

Beckham has found his first-team opportunities in Spain limited following the arrival of former AC Milan, Roma and Juventus coach Capello last summer.

Capello only gave Beckham a starting role for Real in five league games this season and the club are currently third in the Spanish Primera Liga, five points behind leaders Sevilla.

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