David Beckham has no plans to retire from the game, a spokesman for the Real Madrid midfielder said, dismissing a report that claimed he would quit football in 2008.
The report was based on comments made by Real president Ramon Calderon, speaking to BBC Radio.
Real and Beckham’s representatives are discussing a two-year extension to his current deal, which expires in 2007, that would keep him at the Bernabeu until 2009.
“We are trying to sign a new contract,” Calderon told BBC Radio Five Live. “I hope we can have him forever – but I’d say it (the contract) is going to be two years.”
“As far as I know, he has decided to retire in two years’ time. It would be fantastic if he would stay with us for the next two years.”
However, Beckham’s spokesman responded: “Talk of retirement is a complete surprise to us. No-one has ever discussed a retirement date.
“David’s only concern is to play for Real Madrid and win things at the club.”
Asked about Calderon’s comments, representatives of Real Madrid and Beckham both said they hoped he would stay for two further seasons after the current campaign.
Quizzed about Beckham’s retirement plans, Calderon indicated his view was not based on anything the player had said to him but from “what people said to me.”
Beckham, who has a soccer academy in Los Angeles, has hinted he may eventually finishing his playing career in the United States.
“I read somewhere that perhaps he’s going to the States for a golden retirement,” Calderon added.
“I’m quite sure that nowadays a player at 34 or 35 can play easily. Especially him, who’s a great professional, he’s been training all his life.
“He does things in the right way. I imagine that if he wants, when he leaves Real Madrid, he can be anywhere in the world – in the States perhaps, why not back in England?”
With regard to Beckham’s immediate future, Calderon said: “We need him.
“He’s playing very well. The coach trusts him. We hope everything will be arrived at in the next 15 to 20 days to sign the new contract.”
