Makelele back in training with Real Madrid ( 2003-08-22 09:50) (Agencies)
France midfielder Claude Makelele ended his training boycott at Real Madrid
on Thursday when he joined his team mates for an evening session at the club's
Ciudad Deportiva.
The 30-year-old international began training together with defenders Roberto
Carlos and Francisco Pavon in a separate session directed by coach Carlos
Queiroz and then teamed up with the rest of the squad for a small-sided game.
It was the first time Makelele had attended training since returning from the
club's Asian tour at the start of last week.
The midfielder's agent Marc Roger said last week that the player was in no
condition to train with the Spanish champions because he was being affected by a
contractual dispute.
Despite the fact that he is one of the lowest paid players in the squad, Real
have refused to grant him a pay rise or to consider his request to leave the
club and join big-spending English premier league side Chelsea.
Makelele defied Real's orders and trained with the France squad earlier this
week, but after further pressure from the club he was omitted from the French
side that beat Switzerland 2-0 in a friendly international on Wednesday.
Sporting director Jorge Valdano warned the midfielder at the end of last week
that he could ruin his career if he continued his protest.
"What he has done is the most basic act of indiscipline for any player," he
said. "If he continues like this he will be putting his sporting career in
danger."
Makelele has since tried to play down the dispute, telling French sports
daily L'Equipe on Wednesday that "I was suffering from psychological problems. I
didn't train because I could not.
"I feel all right now and I can tell you that I'll be able to train with Real
Madrid on Thursday."
Real are preparing for their first competitive match of the season when they
face Real Mallorca in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup in Palma.
England captain David Beckham did not attend training after being given
permission by the club to attend the funeral of former Manchester United team
mate Jimmy Davis, who died in a car crash two weeks ago.
