Zidane says Beckham arrival spurs players on

Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane said the arrival of David Beckham had spurred the players to fight harder for their places.

"I think its normal, very normal at a team like Real Madrid to have to fight hard and I think with the arrival of Beckham we will have to try to work harder," he said on Tuesday.

And the French international said he did not think the former Manchester United icon would have any trouble settling into the Spanish style of football.

"It's good for him to learn another style but the most important thing is that he is going to try for the team," said Zidane after a training session here.

"The most important thing is that he tries with all of us to win matches and titles."

Zidane, who reiterated Tuesday that he will retire when his contract runs out in two years, said it was important the celebrity superstar was quickly accepted by the other players.

"The most important thing is that he is well welcomed by the team. When I arrived I was well welcomed by the team and I can say that Beckham is also well welcomed by the team.

"And in that way he can be a part of the group."

Real Madrid are in southwestern China for a week-long training session as part of an Asian promotional tour.