Real Madrid's hopes of keeping David Beckham appear to be over after the England midfielder and Los Angeles Galaxy insisted there was no going back on his forthcoming move to the United States.
The Spanish club made an official approach to buy Beckham out of his contract with the MLS side.
But they were told there is no clause in Beckham's deal with the Galaxy that would allow him to stay on in Madrid - and that he has no intention of changing his mind.
Real made their approach after club president Ramon Calderon revealed on Sunday the club would try to keep Beckham for another season.
Meanwhile, Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has promised that Beckham will he given every chance to recover from a taxing end to the season.
Lalas said: 'We know he's not a robot, he's a human being, and there will be a period of physical and mental rest that he needs and we want to make sure he gets that.
'We know he's going to be coming off a pretty intensive season in Madrid that is hopefully going to finish with a league title.'
Lalas is fearful that Beckham could end up 'run ragged' if too many demands are placed on his services.
'We talk about David Beckham and sometimes we don't mention enough that this is a human being,' he added on Sky Sports News.
'His rejuvenation is important and we can't run him ragged with what his responsibilities are on and off the field.
'So in the off-season it is important for our players to take the time to rejuvenate for the next season.'
Beckham's return to the England team appears to cause a problem for the Galaxy, which has marketed tickets for several games late in the MLS season that Beckham is now likely to miss while on international duty.
But Lalas reiterated his support for Beckham's international career.
He said: 'We will continue to support him 100% for as long as he continues to play for England.'
Real coach Fabio Capello yesterday admitted making errors about the way the 32-year-old was handled.
'We have all made mistakes regarding Beckham,' he said.
'On the sporting side we have made a decision and I am the one that has the maximum responsibility.
'The truth is that with him we made a mistake.
'Beckham is a great player. Now he is playing at the same level as he did at Manchester (United).
'He is a player that has recovered his physical and psychological condition because he was upset not to be playing with his national team.
'For every player, the national team is important and for English players, more so.'
