BECKS HAMMERING BACK

DAVID BECKHAM rammed Fabio Capello’s insults back down his throat — while saving Real Madrid’s Italian boss from the sack.

Former England skipper Becks, 31, scored a stunning free-kick after Capello had branded him a dead-ball flop and questioned his commitment during six games as a Bernabeu outcast.

But the midfield star’s wonder-strike inspired a 2-1 comeback at Real Sociedad on Saturday night to earn under-fire Capello a stay of execution.

And Capello accepted that he had to eat his words after Beckham’s brilliant performance and Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s winner kept him in a job — for the time being.

Capello said: “It’s true I said publicly that he hadn’t scored many goals from free-kicks.

“The goals he scores have to be important

and the one he scored was very important.

“I’ve already said that correcting mistakes is what someone intelligent does.

“Beckham deserved it and I don’t have to ask him for forgiveness.

“I’ve given thanks to all the players. I’ve never been afraid for my job during a match. I’ve always had confidence.”

Beckham’s third goal in seven La Liga starts means he has won his battle to be part of Real’s title and Champions League fight before joining LA Galaxy in the summer.

And Van Nistelrooy is delighted Becks is back.

The ex-Manchester United hitman beamed: “Beckham has been fantastic. His attitude is unquestionable and I’m happy for him.

“When you go a month without playing it’s not easy to come back at your maximum level but he always trains well and his attitude is positive. His goal was crucial.”

COURTESY OF THESUN.CO.UK