Beckham to join Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team.

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Beckham to join Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team

Jan. 12, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS -

English soccer star David Beckham, referred to by most fans as 'Becks', is coming to America. The former England team captain has inked a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.

Beckham will join the Galaxy after his contract with Real Madrid expires on June 30. While he has enjoyed worldwide popularity, Beckham has struggled on the field -- playing mostly off the bench.

"This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons,'' Beckham said in a statement Thursday. "After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.''

British news reports have estimated the Galaxy deal with the 31-year-old midfielder to be worth about US$250 million.

"I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football (Real Madrid and Manchester United) and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own," said Beckham.

Los Angeles seems like a natural fit for Beckham and his wife Victoria, a former Spice Girl, as the two have wanted to become household names in the United States.

Beckham also has a soccer academy in Carson, Calif.

Soccer enthusiasts are hoping that the move will also bring a higher profile to the game that is largely ignored in North America outside of the World Cup.

"David Beckham will have a greater impact on soccer in America than any athlete has ever had on a sport globally,'' said Timothy J. Leiweke, president & CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Galaxy. "David is truly the only individual that can build the bridge between soccer in America and the rest of the world.''

Beckham won six league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League title with Manchester United before joining Real Madrid in 2002. Since then he has not won a single major trophy with the Spanish club.

He has been unhappy during the recent season, having started only seven of 25 matches. During last year's world cup, Beckham led England to the quarter-finals but then stepped down as team captain.

He was then dropped from the team, indicating the end of his international career.

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