David Beckham has no regrets over joining Real Madrid even though he is likely to leave the Spanish capital without winning a trophy.
Beckham ended his decade-long spell at Manchester United, during which he landed a host of honours including Champions League and Barclays Premiership titles, in 2003 when he agreed a £25million move to Real.
But he has endured barren times over the last four years with his stint at the Spanish giants coming to an end in the summer when he joins Los Angeles Galaxy.
The current season has been the most disappointing of all with the 31-year-old falling out of favour with Real boss Fabio Capello and England coach Steve McClaren.
Beckham fought his way back into the Real team only to then be sidelined by a knee injury that will keep him out for two more weeks.
And while the former England skipper insists he has enjoyed his time at the Bernabeu, he is unable to explain the lack of trophies, with Real five points behind Barcelona and Sevilla in La Liga, out of the Champions League and out of the Copa del Rey.
"It is a surprise Real Madrid haven't won anything," he said.
"They have had some of the best players in the world, especially during my first year there.
"There was Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Raul and so many more.
"It is hard to take that I haven't won anything but I don't really regret my decision to go to Spain and Real Madrid.
"The lack of success is just one of those situations you can't explain. But I've enjoyed my time there and I've loved the fans."
Despite his waning powers, signing Beckham was a major coup for LA Galaxy who tempted him to America with a deal reported to be worth £128million.
The midfielder denies competing in Major League Soccer is a significant step down from the Spanish or English leagues and insists he is relishing his ambassadorial role.
"I'm not worried by the standard in America because some people are also saying it's the right time for me to go because my legs have gone," he said.
"There are differences of opinion but for me it's the right time to go.
"I didn't want another challenge at the end of my career, I wanted to go where I felt I could make a difference. That will be my ambition out there.
"It won't just be the playing side but the ambassador role for football in the MLS and around the world."
But he has endured barren times over the last four years with his stint at the Spanish giants coming to an end in the summer when he joins Los Angeles Galaxy.
The current season has been the most disappointing of all with the 31-year-old falling out of favour with Real boss Fabio Capello and England coach Steve McClaren.
Beckham fought his way back into the Real team only to then be sidelined by a knee injury that will keep him out for two more weeks.
And while the former England skipper insists he has enjoyed his time at the Bernabeu, he is unable to explain the lack of trophies, with Real five points behind Barcelona and Sevilla in La Liga, out of the Champions League and out of the Copa del Rey.
"It is a surprise Real Madrid haven't won anything," he said.
"They have had some of the best players in the world, especially during my first year there.
"There was Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Raul and so many more.
"It is hard to take that I haven't won anything but I don't really regret my decision to go to Spain and Real Madrid.
"The lack of success is just one of those situations you can't explain. But I've enjoyed my time there and I've loved the fans."
Despite his waning powers, signing Beckham was a major coup for LA Galaxy who tempted him to America with a deal reported to be worth £128million.
The midfielder denies competing in Major League Soccer is a significant step down from the Spanish or English leagues and insists he is relishing his ambassadorial role.
"I'm not worried by the standard in America because some people are also saying it's the right time for me to go because my legs have gone," he said.
"There are differences of opinion but for me it's the right time to go.
"I didn't want another challenge at the end of my career, I wanted to go where I felt I could make a difference. That will be my ambition out there.
"It won't just be the playing side but the ambassador role for football in the MLS and around the world."
Copyright (c) Press Association
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