Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello revealed that the decision to exclude the Los Angeles Galaxy-bound former England captain David Beckham from the scheme of the things for the rest of the season at Madrid, was taken in consultation with the technical team - assistant coach Franco Baldini and sporting director Predrag Mijatovic.

The 31-year-old Real midfielder, whose contract ends in June when he will move to Major League Soccer in the States, watched from the stands as Real Madrid scored the only goal of the match to win against Real Zaragoza.

Former Manchester United team-mate and Dutch international Ruud Van Nistelrooy scored his 10th La Liga goal of the season, which also broke Real’s goalless run of three matches on Sunday.

Capello later told a news conference: “If a player has a contract (with another club) it isn't right that you continue to treat him as just another player.”

The former England captain turned down a contract extension at Real and announced on Thursday his new deal. However, Capello hinted that Beckham had not discussed his MLS move with Real Madrid.

On Friday, Capello stunned the football fraternity, saying Beckham, who joined Real from Manchester United in 2003, would only train with the squad and not play for his last six months at Real, who are now third in the table but just two points below leaders Sevilla.

Capello was also grilled for his similar decision related to change of teams a decade ago when the Italian negotiated with AC Milan while still being a Real coach.

The former Juve coach replied: “The difference is the American league starts in April and mine didn't. I told the club president first and that's a little different. Also I hadn't actually signed the contract.”

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