SPAIN: SOCCER - RONALDO WELCOMED DAVID BECKHAM TO REAL MADRID FOOTBALL CLUB AS THE CLUB UNVEILS THEIR NEW SHIRTS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE

Record ID: 645938

  • Title: SPAIN: SOCCER - RONALDO WELCOMED DAVID BECKHAM TO REAL MADRID FOOTBALL CLUB AS THE CLUB UNVEILS THEIR NEW SHIRTS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE
  • Date: 20th June 2003
  • Summary: MADRID, SPAIN (JUNE 20, 2003) REUTERS PLAYERS POSE ON PITCH, SHOWING THEIR SHIRT NUMBERS PAN UP RAUL ON PITCH
  • Embargoed: 5th July 2003 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: MADRID, SPAIN
  • Country: Spain
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVAEY3WST02GA30RLUF2KE0FN7GN
  • Story Text: Ronaldo welcomed David Beckham to Real Madrid on Friday but warned the England captain he would have to work hard to impress the club's demanding supporters.
    Speaking on the day the club unveiled their new shirts, Ronaldo - who has scored 21 league goals since joining Real - is still criticised by fans when he fails to find the net.

    "Real Madrid fans are very difficult to please," Ronaldo said at a news conference at the club's training ground on Friday. "They demand an awful lot.

    "I hope Beckham settles quickly and adapts to the club and the team. We're delighted that he's coming. He'll be another player to help us in the future."
    Beckham is expected to unveil his shirt when he receives his number early next month. On Friday Raul proudly showed off his number seven shirt for next season.
    Real midfielder Guti has already said he may have to leave the club following the arrival of Beckham and there are doubts about the future of coach Vicente del Bosque, who has yet to agree an extension to his contract.
    Ronaldo said he hoped both the player and the coach would stay.

    "I still believe Guti is an important player," Ronaldo said. "He's one of my favourite players and I hope he stays.

    "With Del Bosque we don't know what's going to happen.
    I've already made it clear that as far as I'm concerned it would be better if he stayed. He's a fantastic coach and the players love him."
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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