David Beckham says he had to convince Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello that he was still worth a place in the team even though he had already signed a contract to join LA Galaxy at the end of the season.
The former England skipper was told earlier in the season that he had played his last game for Real, but his attitude and work-rate in training impressed Capelleo enough to earn a recall to the starting line-up.
“People wondered how you could be committed to a team when you had signed for another team,” Beckham told Sky Sports.
“I had to prove I am committed. It doesn`t mean I don`t give 110 per cent or don`t fly into tackles and try to win things with this team.”
Beckham returned from injury and came on as a second half substitute in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Valencia which moved Real to within two points of leaders Barcelona.
Capello was pleased with Beckham’s contribution in his first game back after six weeks out with knee trouble.
“David was physically not ready for 90 minutes,” said the Real coach.
“But David’s quality was very important in the decisive moments of the match with the score at 1-1.
“The result keeps our title hopes alive and generates pressure on Barcelona and Sevilla.”
