Becks wanted booking

David Beckham has admitted that he got himself deliberately booked against Wales.

Beckham also confirmed that he would not be playing for Real this week - as the Spanish titans had hoped - and that he could be sidelined until December.

Beckham clashed in a 50-50 challenge with Ben Thatcher during the 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory on Saturday.

The Real Madrid ace knew that he had damaged a rib, as he had suffered a similar injury during his time at Manchester United.

Because he knew he would not play in Baku anyway, Beckham - already on a yellow card - flew into a reckless challenge on Thatcher, knowing Norwegian referee Terje Hauge would book him, meaning a suspension for one international match.

"I am sure some people think that I have not got the brains to be that clever," said Beckham.

"But I do have the brains. I could feel the injury so I fouled Thatcher, it was deliberate.

"I knew straight away I had broken my ribs, I have done it before. I knew I would be out for a few weeks, so I thought: 'Let's get the yellow card out of the way.'

"It's frustrating. Saturday was a positive game for me personally. I scored one of my best goals ever, up there with those against Greece, Colombia and Wimbledon.

"I had criticism leading up to the game, so scoring the goal meant a lot. I wanted to prove to people I can still score goals like that.

"That goal reminded everyone of my talent and it was great to do it back at Old Trafford. But some of the headlines were 'Great goal but yellow card again'. People pick up on the negatives. That's sad. Some people have other agendas, hidden agendas. They build you up, [and] bring you down."

Beckham admits he was not looking to clash with Thatcher.

"I had stayed away from any trouble in the game and was doing well and then I got injured. Thatcher fouled me," Beckham continued in The Daily Telegraph.

"I respect him as a player and for his aggressive side. He is strong. But I have watched the video again and he doesn't look at the ball when he comes in at me. But these things happen. I don't have a problem with Thatcher."

The Londoner also doubts Real's claims that he could be training this week, let alone playing by Saturday against Real Betis and thinks he will be lucky to be back in action before mid-November.

"It's a frustrating injury because there is no treatment. I can't go running or training because it hurts too much," he said.

"The last time I broke my ribs [at United], Alex Ferguson put me on a bike after two weeks and I couldn't do it. I couldn't breathe. There is nothing you can do apart from rest.

"I will fly to Madrid and see the Real doctor immediately. I heard Madrid want me training by Wednesday but that is not possible.

"If you come back too soon, you can damage it again. I am in constant pain. I have been on painkillers. I will be out for four to five weeks. I just want to get back playing, to get Real back up the table. I would love to play in England's friendly against Spain (next month) but I will struggle to make it."

Shaun Wright-Phillips as been tipped as Beckham's most likely replacement and he is full of praise for the Manchester City starlet.

"I want Shaun to have the best game he has ever had," he continued. "Not only is Shaun a great talent who trains really hard but he is a great lad as well. He deserves his chance.

"People have tried to make rivalries between me and Shaun or me and Wayne Rooney but that's not right. It's about wanting England to do well. Just because Shaun is going into the game maybe in my position, does not mean I don't want him to do well. I hope he does brilliantly."