Beckham hits back

DAVID BECKHAM today again dismissed suggestions that he is unsettled at Real Madrid as he spelled out his determination to fight back from the disappointment of England's Euro 2004 campaign.

Beckham, who missed two penalties during the tournament and was criticised for under-performing, caused a storm when he blamed his club's training programme for his lack of fitness in Portugal.

The row came amid continuing speculation over his family life in the Spanish capital.

But the England captain, who sprained his right ankle during a friendly on Tuesday against a youth team from the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera, said controversy over his lifestyle would not affect his desire to lead Real to glory.

Beckham said: "I have learned to live with all the attention over the last 10 years, as has my family.

"The attention is on me and many people speak of me without knowing me.

"I am totally adapted to Madrid. When I arrived I knew that adapting would be a barrier but I integrated myself.

"Playing alongside players of this calibre makes it worthwhile.

The football enchants me."

With Real's Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz, an anglophile, having been replaced by Spaniard Jose Antonio Camacho, Beckham can no longer speak in English with his boss.

He admitted: "At the moment I can understand some things, although it is quite difficult.

"I am making an effort not to have a problem, but it is quite difficult."

However, Beckham made it clear that he had a good relationship with the Spanish coach, saying: "The team is training well and we are in the hands of a good coach.

"The players like Camacho a lot and it is good to be back with my team-mates."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have stepped up their bid to prise Patrick Vieira from Arsenal by dispatching an unofficial representative, it was reported today.

The Spanish club have sent agent Luis Vicente to London to start talks with the Frenchman's camp.

Madrid president Florentino Perez wants to be sure Vieira is committed to a move to Spain before he makes a firm offer.

He is not breaking any rules by asking Vicente, who acts for Luis Figo and has a legal background, to help coordinate the transfer because he is not working directly for Madrid.

Vicente is expected to keep in close contact with Vieira's agent Steve Kutner, while the midfielder remains on holiday in France.

(c)2004. Associated Newspapers Ltd.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.