Calderon praise for Beckham

Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is keen for David Beckham to extend his stay at the Bernabeu.

Beckham, 31, is currently in talks over a new deal with Madrid but will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January 1 if fresh terms are not agreed. Calderon, who became president in the summer, claims he will not interfere in the negotiations even though he is desperate for former England captain Beckham to remain in the Spanish capital.

"He is a genius on and off the pitch and he is a wonderful person in every sense," Calderon told the club's official website. "From a human point of view, he is one of the most charitable and lovely people I have ever met. I know (Real sporting director Predrag) Mijatovic is in talks with him regarding his contract extension. I would love him to stay because he is a great player, but I will not interfere in the sporting side."

Beckham has started just two Primera Liga games this season as new coach Fabio Capello fine-tunes his preferred XI.

But Calderon insists Beckham will get plenty of game time over the coming months, if not a guaranteed first-team place.

"Capello has confidence in him," Calderon added. "He has been a starter in some games and now he is enjoying some minutes, but he cannot play in every game."