Real Madrid winger Luis Figo has denied any rivalry between him and newcomer David Beckham, suggesting on Monday he is willing to switch to the left flank so the English midfielder can play on the right.
Since Beckham started to train with Real four days ago at a facility in southwestern China, foreign and Chinese media have often asked whether he and Figo would become comrades or adversaries.
On the field, they have played the same spot at right wing. Off it, Figo is one of few players at the star-studded club with good enough English to converse at length with Beckham, who is just learning Spanish.
Asked about media speculation of a rivalry, the Portuguese international told reporters, "I think it does not exist because we are on the same team so we (have) the same objective, no?"
He said Beckham was beginning to feel "at home" at Real after the England captain's 35 million euro ($40.13 million) transfer from Manchester United earlier this month.
"I think everyone is trying to be as nice as possible for Beckham to feel adapted as soon as possible to a new life and a new club," said Figo.
"Maybe because I speak a little more English I talk a little more with him but I think all the players try to (help) Beckham adapt."
The question of a line-up conflict also seems to be settling itself under new manager Carlos Queiroz, who coached Beckham as assistant to Alex Ferguson at United and Figo as skipper of the Portuguese youth side.
During training sessions in Kunming, Figo, considered more versatile than Beckham, has already spent the majority of his time at the left flank. It is a position he played under Queiroz and at Sporting Lisbon.
But Figo did not answer directly when asked if the switch had been made. "During my career, I have had to adapt myself to different positions depending on the trainer and coach," he said. "I will play where my trainer thinks it's convenient."
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