David Beckham said on Thursday that Real Madrid's failure to offer him a convincing contract renewal offer was behind his decision to leave the nine-times European champions and sign for MLS side LA Galaxy.
"I first realised 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.
"That was the time when I knew I had to decide my future. Leaving a club like Real Madrid is very difficult but I think my future is bright and it's something I'm really looking forward to now."
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. I've played for Real Madrid for four years. It has been an incredible time. Hopefully, it will end with winning the league. But this is it."
Beckham will win his first title with Real on Sunday if they beat Real Mallorca at the Bernabeu to clinch the Primera Liga.