Beckham had no other takers: Real Prez

Madrid: David Beckham was belittled by Real Madrid's president as a Hollywood movie-star hopeful spurned by most of the world's top soccer teams.

Team president Ramon Calderon, in comments, expected to further sour relations between Beckham and the Spanish club, said the English midfielder joined the Los Angeles Galaxy because there were no other takers.

"The proof that our technical staff was correct not to retain him, has been borne out by every other technical staff in the world not wanting him even though he was out of contract.

"David Beckham is going to be some sort of film actor living in Hollywood," Calderon said in speech to university students that was broadcast by Cadena Cope radio station on Tuesday.

Beckham spokesman Simon Oliveira said he would not respond to the comments.

During his university visit, Calderon also criticised Madrid's players, who he said displayed 'egotism and vanity'.

"They all think they are superstars," he added.

The president singled out goalkeeper Iker Casillas for his euro 9 million ($11.6 million) annual salary and midfielder Jose Maria Gutierrez for failing to capitalise on his ability, as well as Madrid's fans for failing to get behind the team.

He also suggested former club president Florentino Perez deliberately had frustrated a bid to sign AC Milan midfielder Kaka in the off season.