Beckham is staying at Real Madrid
LONDON. England (CNN) -- England soccer captain David Beckham and his wife Victoria are to settle in Spain, the couple have announced -- ending months of speculation.
Beckham, currently with Real Madrid, has been linked with a return to England after experiencing difficulties on and off the pitch and a rumored bid from Premiership Chelsea.
But Beckham has taken a new lease on a house in Spain where he will be joined by wife Victoria and his sons Brooklyn, who will be enrolled in a Spanish school, and Romeo.
The former Manchester United midfielder -- who has three years of his contract with Real to run -- said in a statement Thursday: "I have a long term commitment to Real and to my life in Spain.
"I've been here for one season and it feels like the job's not done yet."
Beckham's private life hit the headlines last month after newspaper claims of affairs with assistant Rebecca Loos and Malaysian-born Sarah Marbeck.
Beckham denied the sex claims and said they were "ludicrous," leading to much comment in UK newspapers that Victoria Beckham should spend more time with him in Spain to protect him against such allegations.
Both said their marriage was sound.
Back in Spain, after impressing in the first half of the season, Beckham's form has tailed off recently as Madrid failed in the Primera Liga and the Champions League.
Beckham added: "The support that I have received from the fans has been amazing and I would like to see them repaid with success. Victoria shares my vision of our life here together."
His wife's decision to remain in England in Beckham's first season was seen as contributing to the disruption.
She said: "The time is now right for the children to move to Madrid and we are all looking forward to it enormously.
"It is a fantastic city with wonderful people and David and I are looking forward to strengthening our links with both. We are all very excited."
