Real Madrid’s President Florentino Perez shocked the club’s board of directors when he suddenly quit his post at the Spanish giants last night after six years in the post, possibly signalling the departure of some big names from the club.

The architect of the infamous "Galacticos" recruitment policy announced his departure at an emergency meeting 48 hours after Real’s 2-1 defeat at Real Mallorca.

That defeat left Real 10 points adrift of La Liga leaders Barcelona, and followed Real's 1-0 Champions League home defeat against Arsenal, with Real’s goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who was on top-form, keeping the Spanish side in the competition.

Perez’s statement last night threw the board into disarray as he announced the end of his six-year reign.

All efforts by the board to convince Perez to have a rethink fell on deaf ears, so Real’s Vice President Fernando Martin has taken over temporary command of the club, pending the election of Perez’s successor this summer.

Perez's departure will put a massive question mark over the futures of David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo, who has already stated his displeasure at his treatment from the fans, and hinted at a move in the summer.

It is well known that Perez instigated the move of David Beckham to the Camp Nou from Manchester United, but the departure of Perez is seen by many as the end of Beckham’s playing days at Madrid.

Beckham was still mulling over a three-year extension to his contract, but talks have now been put on hold until the leadership of the club is sorted out in the summer.

Real, who have lost their crown as the best team in Spain to Barcelona, are close to completing their third successive trophy-less season after having been knocked out of all domestic cups, and with only very slim chances of winning the Champions League.

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Beckham is confident that he will be fit enough to captain England in Wednesday's friendly international against Uruguay at Anfield.

Beckham was substituted during Real Madrid's loss against Mallorca on Sunday with a back injury.

But the former Manchester United star insisted the move was more of a precaution, and that he will be fit.

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