DAVID BECKHAM has been criticised by Real Madrid’s footballing director for failing to learn Spanish despite nearly two years at the club.

Arrigo Sacchi, the former Italy coach, said the England captain’s linguistic deficiency was a “fundamental” flaw that showed a lack of respect towards Madrid’s fans.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Sacchi said, “He’s been here nearly two years and he doesn’t speak it (Spanish) well. It’s to do with respect towards the club who pays him, the fans and also towards his colleagues and his coach.

“He can give a lot to the team with what he says, but knowing so little of the language, he can’t.”

Beckham was sold to Real Madrid for £25m by Manchester United in 2003. At the time he was one of the only English players playing abroad but has since been joined at the Spanish club by Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate.

But while foreign players in this country, such as Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy speak good English, Beckham has made virtually no progress in grasping Spanish.

His first public foray with a foreign language took place in January during a press conference, 18 months after joining the club.

He used three rehearsed Spanish phrases translated as “we can win the league”, “we have to work hard”, and “the new coach is impressive”. Even so, his attempts were applauded by local journalists.

Sacchi says the language barrier may be stopping Beckham fulfilling his potential at the club. “It’s the only negative note,” said Sacchi. “He’s a fantastic guy. He knows how to work both phases of the game, attack and defence; he’s a positive example. He could become one of the most important players for Real Madrid’s future.”

Despite the language criticism, Sacchi’s comments suggest that Beckham’s future at the club is secure. There has been speculation that the England captain, who is to join the national team on its current American tour, would return to the Premiership.

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