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Madrid shun Beckham, Ronaldo
17/01/2007 18:44 - (SA)
Madrid - David Beckham and Ronaldo were left out of Real Madrid's squad on Wednesday for a Copa del Rey game.
Coach Fabio Capello continued to shun the pair, four days after he said that Beckham would no longer play for Madrid now he has committed to Los Angeles Galaxy and would only be able to train.
Beckham announced two days earlier he would leave Madrid in June and join the MLS team in a five-year deal - reportedly worth $250m - two months later.
However, Capello suggested that he may remove the bar to Beckham playing.
"Nothing can be discarded. We'll have to see. The idea we have you already know. We have to be flexible from time to time," Capello was quoted as saying by Madrid's website. "Beckham is a great professional and always trains with enthusiasm. The idea could change."
Ronaldo has been made available for transfer by Madrid after an injury-plagued season in which he has failed to satisfy Capello.
Italian media said on Wednesday the Brazil striker has already agreed to an 18-month contract with AC Milan, although the clubs have still to settle on a transfer fee.
Madrid's 16-player squad for Thursday's match against Real Betis also lacked forward Antonio Cassano, who Capello has also declared surplus to requirements.
With captain Raul Gonzalez and the Brazilian quartet of Roberto Carlos, Emerson, Marcelo and Cicinho among seven injured players, Capello has included reserves - defender Miguel Torres, and midfielders Miguel Nieto and Ruben De La Red - for the game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Last week's first leg of the fifth-round pairing ended scoreless. The winner will advance to the quarter-finals of Spain's knockout competition.
- AP
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