Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro was delighted to see David Beckham's name back in the starting line-up for Saturday's Primera Liga match at Real Sociedad. Beckham was recalled to the Madrid squad on Friday, having spent a month on the sidelines after being exiled by coach Fabio Capello since announcing his decision to join the Los Angeles Galaxy this summer.
Not only was Beckham named in a 20-man squad he was also selected in Capello's first XI for the match in San Sebastian and duly scored Madrid's equaliser in a 2-1 win.
That was the former England captain's first start for Madrid since December 20, and for Cannavaro it was a welcome return. "It was pleasing for everyone. We are always working together," he said. "I don't like it when a team-mate is left out of the squad. We are all here to work well for Madrid."
Cannavaro also supported coach Capello for going back on his initial decision to ostracise Beckham. "We can all make mistakes, that is normal. There isn't a problem, it is human to rectify your mistakes," the Italian World Cup winner said.
The victory over Sociedad was Madrid's eighth away triumph of the season, equalling a club record first set in 1960-61 and then matched in 1987-88. Madrid went on to win the league on both of those occasions, and although they still have plenty of work to match that feat this season, Saturday's win has given the Spanish giants a major boost ahead of a daunting run of fixtures.
After next weekend's home match with Real Betis, Madrid have two Champions League games against Bayern Munich, local derbies with Atletico Madrid and Getafe, plus a trip to bitter rivals Barcelona in their following five fixtures.
Cannavaro said: "We are going to face many strong teams and we shall see at the end of this month if Madrid are strong or not."