Real's sporting director Jorge Valdano, speaking at a packed news conference at the club's training ground on Wednesday, said the England captain had not asked for any special treatment as the deal was being arranged.

"There are already many stars in the Real Madrid dressing room," Valdano said. "Beckham had to give up some of his image rights and his number and he had to adapt to our salary guidelines."

That will see Beckham losing the number seven shirt he has worn for so long for England and Manchester United and receiving exactly the same salary as the club's other star players such as Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo.

Valdano also ruled out Beckham wearing a number like 77 or 6+1 to retain the "seven" association.

"Beckham will follow the norms at Real Madrid and wear a free number between one and 25," Valdano said.

"All the players who have come here in recent years have done the same, choosing one of the numbers that has become free."

Real's 35 million euro move to sign Beckham from Manchester United came despite the fact that the club already have one of the most adventurous sides in the world.

The problem for coach Vicente del Bosque this season has been in defence but Valdano made no apologies for signing another high-profile attacking player like Beckham in preference to an expensive defender.

"David Beckham's signing will make us a better club and a better team," said Valdano. "It will strengthen our image.

"He's another star in the team, a highly technical player who will give us an extra jump in quality.

"You can never have too many stars. Beckham is very versatile and we're building a squad, not just a team.

"It's a perfect signing because it keeps both the marketing and sporting departments at Real Madrid very happy."