David Beckham, who was the England football team's captain until just after the 2006 World Cup, has played in the English Premiership for Manchester United and Spain's Primera Liga for Real Madrid.
Now he's quit Real Madrid and will play in America's Major League Soccer (MLS) for LA Galaxy.
The world's greatest sport is becoming more popular in the US. Last year, more Americans watched the World Cup than the baseball World Series.
------------------------------
It's a whole new Galaxy for Beckham as he heads off to LA in the summer
11th January 2007
On the move: Beckham drives away from training in Madrid
Former England captain David Beckham will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal for MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy.
"This week Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract for a further two seasons," said Beckham.
Our story on October 28
"After discussing several options with my family and my advisors to either stay here in Madrid or join other major British and European teams I have decided to join LA Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.
"I would like to thank supporters and the people of Madrid who have made my family and I so welcome in my time here making this an extremely difficult decision to make.
"I have enjoyed my time here enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me an opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans."
The 31-year-old, who joined Real from Manchester United in June 2003, is the most famous player to sign up for Major League Soccer since it began in 1996.
The deal is reported to be one of the biggest in global sport with Beckham set to earn more than $250 million over the duration of his contract.
The news ends months of speculation about the future of the midfielder whose contract with Real expires at the end of the season.
Having been first choice in the Real Madrid starting lineup since he moved to Spain, Beckham lost his place following the arrival of Italian coach Fabio Capello.
He has only started five of Real's 16 league games this season and was known to be frustrated with his lack of opportunities in the first team.
In terms of finances it is a mega deal and compares with the biggest in mainstream US sports American football and baseball.
The MLS have recently changed their salary cap rules to allow sides to make 'marquee signings' of top international stars. The Beckham deal will see the 31-year-old benefit directly from all his image rights and related sponsorship deals which in the past have had to be shared with his club.
The Real Madrid future of the world's most famous footballer had been shrouded in doubt, especially after coach Fabio Capello this week dropped him from the squad - the first time it had happened to Beckham since he moved from Manchester United in July 2003.
During those three and a half years, Beckham has seen six different coaches appointed while Real have failed to win a single trophy.
Capello's arrival at the start of the season could have heralded a new era for Beckham, who was dropped from new England boss Steve McClaren's squad in August, but instead he found himself often sidelined.
Real had been very keen to keep the midfielder - his marketing power remains a huge draw to fans across the globe - but after talks today he announced he will be moving to Los Angeles.
READER'S COMMENTS
As an American fan of football and the MLS, I am excited about the opportunities this move will bring for Beckham and the MLS. The US doesn't really know him yet save for an informed few percent.
He has household name potential, and the MLS will only benefit as a result.
And his star power, in LA, with Posh? It's gonna be too much for the 15-55 year old gossip hound demographic hungry for tinseltowns tales...
- Dick Striano, Chicago
-------------------------------
As a avid fan of English soccer, it is sad to see David Beckham not coming back to Premiership. It would be great loss. I believe he still has a lot to offer and US and Los Angeles Galaxy are fortunate to have him. You would be warmly welcome here, David!
- Naing Moore, Los Angeles, USA
-----------------------------------------------
Welcome, Beckhams!
- Dl, South Carolina, USA
---------------------------------
David was a great player for England, Man United and Real Madrid. He has been a credit to himself and the game of football and what ever he does in the future I wish him well.
- Tom, Bridgewater Canada
--------------------------------
I think David Beckham is one of the greats of the sport. Its a shame that people continue to have digs at him about his wife, wealth and fame. I think Becks is a brilliant embassador for the sport and more importantly England.
- Eileen, Boston USA/ex Pat
-------------------------------------
Capello should be careful - he may be kicked out sooner than Beckham, if Real's history of the past few years is anything to go by. Beckham may be 31, but is still one of the best in the world, and has been a great ambassador for English football, who could still play a part in 2008, if McClaren can get past his personal problems with him. I wouldn't bet against Beckham outseeing McClaren with the English selection either!
- Andrea, Spain
----------------------------------------
It is sad that England and MU fans forget his efforts in the past and his commitment to the cause. Yes, when compared with the best and some of the all time greats he is not as good as he was several years ago but he is a lot better and more commited than some of the current players in McLarens squad. I hope that one day the current England manager will stop supporing his old bosses jealousy of Beckham's image and include him in the squad if only for his experience.
- Patrick, Aberdeen
------------------------------------
One sad fact of the high transfer costs and wages negotiated by top players is the fact that their careers are cut short, we see people like Dublin and Merson who wanted to keep playing and end up in lower leagues as they seem only willing to play for big clubs for large amounts of money, shame that they and the clubs do not take them on long contracts at the end of their careers on relatively low incomes (high to us) and provide occassional cover on the pitch, mentoring for new young players and a lot of PR work for their club, that way we enjoy them turning the odd match with their skills, they enjoy a longer career and the youngsters learn what real talent is and learn from it.
- Ian, Newcastle
-----------------------------------
Patrick, I agree with your sentiments but I don't see any comments on here attributed to Man Utd fans! I for one believe he still has a lot to offer and should come back to the Premiership. It certainly won't be United but, as Ian says, those teams on the fringe of the big four would benefit from his experience. Mind you, Chelsea and 'Pool look like they need him now!
- James Drennan, King's Lynn
dailymail.co.uk
Now he's quit Real Madrid and will play in America's Major League Soccer (MLS) for LA Galaxy.
The world's greatest sport is becoming more popular in the US. Last year, more Americans watched the World Cup than the baseball World Series.
------------------------------
It's a whole new Galaxy for Beckham as he heads off to LA in the summer
11th January 2007
On the move: Beckham drives away from training in Madrid
Former England captain David Beckham will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal for MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy.
"This week Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract for a further two seasons," said Beckham.
Our story on October 28
"After discussing several options with my family and my advisors to either stay here in Madrid or join other major British and European teams I have decided to join LA Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.
"I would like to thank supporters and the people of Madrid who have made my family and I so welcome in my time here making this an extremely difficult decision to make.
"I have enjoyed my time here enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me an opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans."
The 31-year-old, who joined Real from Manchester United in June 2003, is the most famous player to sign up for Major League Soccer since it began in 1996.
The deal is reported to be one of the biggest in global sport with Beckham set to earn more than $250 million over the duration of his contract.
The news ends months of speculation about the future of the midfielder whose contract with Real expires at the end of the season.
Having been first choice in the Real Madrid starting lineup since he moved to Spain, Beckham lost his place following the arrival of Italian coach Fabio Capello.
He has only started five of Real's 16 league games this season and was known to be frustrated with his lack of opportunities in the first team.
In terms of finances it is a mega deal and compares with the biggest in mainstream US sports American football and baseball.
The MLS have recently changed their salary cap rules to allow sides to make 'marquee signings' of top international stars. The Beckham deal will see the 31-year-old benefit directly from all his image rights and related sponsorship deals which in the past have had to be shared with his club.
The Real Madrid future of the world's most famous footballer had been shrouded in doubt, especially after coach Fabio Capello this week dropped him from the squad - the first time it had happened to Beckham since he moved from Manchester United in July 2003.
During those three and a half years, Beckham has seen six different coaches appointed while Real have failed to win a single trophy.
Capello's arrival at the start of the season could have heralded a new era for Beckham, who was dropped from new England boss Steve McClaren's squad in August, but instead he found himself often sidelined.
Real had been very keen to keep the midfielder - his marketing power remains a huge draw to fans across the globe - but after talks today he announced he will be moving to Los Angeles.
READER'S COMMENTS
As an American fan of football and the MLS, I am excited about the opportunities this move will bring for Beckham and the MLS. The US doesn't really know him yet save for an informed few percent.
He has household name potential, and the MLS will only benefit as a result.
And his star power, in LA, with Posh? It's gonna be too much for the 15-55 year old gossip hound demographic hungry for tinseltowns tales...
- Dick Striano, Chicago
-------------------------------
As a avid fan of English soccer, it is sad to see David Beckham not coming back to Premiership. It would be great loss. I believe he still has a lot to offer and US and Los Angeles Galaxy are fortunate to have him. You would be warmly welcome here, David!
- Naing Moore, Los Angeles, USA
-----------------------------------------------
Welcome, Beckhams!
- Dl, South Carolina, USA
---------------------------------
David was a great player for England, Man United and Real Madrid. He has been a credit to himself and the game of football and what ever he does in the future I wish him well.
- Tom, Bridgewater Canada
--------------------------------
I think David Beckham is one of the greats of the sport. Its a shame that people continue to have digs at him about his wife, wealth and fame. I think Becks is a brilliant embassador for the sport and more importantly England.
- Eileen, Boston USA/ex Pat
-------------------------------------
Capello should be careful - he may be kicked out sooner than Beckham, if Real's history of the past few years is anything to go by. Beckham may be 31, but is still one of the best in the world, and has been a great ambassador for English football, who could still play a part in 2008, if McClaren can get past his personal problems with him. I wouldn't bet against Beckham outseeing McClaren with the English selection either!
- Andrea, Spain
----------------------------------------
It is sad that England and MU fans forget his efforts in the past and his commitment to the cause. Yes, when compared with the best and some of the all time greats he is not as good as he was several years ago but he is a lot better and more commited than some of the current players in McLarens squad. I hope that one day the current England manager will stop supporing his old bosses jealousy of Beckham's image and include him in the squad if only for his experience.
- Patrick, Aberdeen
------------------------------------
One sad fact of the high transfer costs and wages negotiated by top players is the fact that their careers are cut short, we see people like Dublin and Merson who wanted to keep playing and end up in lower leagues as they seem only willing to play for big clubs for large amounts of money, shame that they and the clubs do not take them on long contracts at the end of their careers on relatively low incomes (high to us) and provide occassional cover on the pitch, mentoring for new young players and a lot of PR work for their club, that way we enjoy them turning the odd match with their skills, they enjoy a longer career and the youngsters learn what real talent is and learn from it.
- Ian, Newcastle
-----------------------------------
Patrick, I agree with your sentiments but I don't see any comments on here attributed to Man Utd fans! I for one believe he still has a lot to offer and should come back to the Premiership. It certainly won't be United but, as Ian says, those teams on the fringe of the big four would benefit from his experience. Mind you, Chelsea and 'Pool look like they need him now!
- James Drennan, King's Lynn
dailymail.co.uk
