David Beckham said Thursday that Real Madrid's failure to offer him a convincing contract renewal offer was behind his decision to leave the nine-time European champion and sign for MLS side LA Galaxy.

"I first realized I would be leaving Real Madrid six months ago in January when I was told my contract wouldn't be renewed," the 32-year-old former England captain told a news conference before his final game for the Primera Liga club.

Contrary to club president Ramon Calderon's recent statements, Beckham said he had not been approached by Real to persuade him to stay and he denied there was an escape clause by which he could back out of the Galaxy deal.

"I've had no contact with the president about anything," he said. "The contract was signed a few months back, everyone knows when I signed it. My last game will be on Sunday.

"There is no clause with Los Angeles saying it could be changed."

Meanwhile, Robinho will play for Real in its Spanish league title-deciding finale after receiving permission from FIFA, Spanish media reported on Wednesday.

The Brazil forward was meant to join the national team on Tuesday in preparation for the Copa America, the South American championship starting on June 26 in Venezuela.

Though clubs are required to release their players 14 days before the start of a major tournament, Real will not have to after the Spanish football federation received word from soccer's world governing body allowing Robin-ho to play Mallorca on Sunday.

(Shanghai Daily June 15, 2007)