David Beckham joining LA Galaxy soccer team!

[bitkahuna]

I'm not even a big soccer fan but this is HUGE. Maybe this can get soccer more popular in the U.S.?


Beckham agrees to LA Galaxy move

David Beckham will leave Real Madrid and join Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old former England captain will sign a five-year deal, reportedly worth £128m.

Beckham said: "This week Real asked me to make a decision regarding their offer to extend my contract.

"After considering several options to stay in Madrid or join other major British and European teams, I have decided to join LA Galaxy."

Interview: David Beckham Interview: Former England striker Gary Lineker Replay: David Beckham quits as England captain

In a statement, Beckham continued: "I would like to thank the supporters and people of Madrid who have made my family and I feel so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.

"I have enjoyed my time in Spain enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans.

"I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football 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.

"For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100% to my coach, team-mates and fans as I believe manager Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve."

Real Madrid confirmed Beckham's departure in a statement, saying: "Both parties have agreed that Beckham will not extend his current contract, which ends on 30 June 2007."

Beckham left Manchester United in July 2003 to sign for Real, who paid £25m for the midfielder's services.

However, in the three-and-a-half seasons since his arrival, the Spanish giants have failed to win any major trophies.

This season has proved particularly disappointing for Beckham, who was dropped by England coach Steve McClaren and then fell out of favour with Real boss Capello.

LA Galaxy admitted their interest in signing Beckham in November, when general manager Alexi Lalas told the BBC Sport website of his admiration for the former England captain.

In an exclusive interview, Lalas said: "The Los Angeles Galaxy are looked upon as the jewel of Major League Soccer.

"We play in the best stadium, we have had incredible success over the history of the league, we have had great individual players and great teams. There's a tradition of excellence.

"All of this leads to this race to become the first MLS super club, if you will.

"It is something we aspire to and in order to do that you have to have quality players, a direction and a passion, a good coach and you have to get credibility domestically and internationally.

"Signing players of Beckham's stature would be a wonderful step in the right direction not just for the Galaxy but for soccer in America."

Beckham is the biggest name to sign up for Major League Soccer since its inception in 1996 and the most famous player to play club football in the US since Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff competed in the North American Soccer League in the 1970s and early '80s.

LA Galaxy are owned by sports and entertainment giants AEG, who are also partners in Beckham's soccer academy in Los Angeles.

AEG president Timothy J. Leiweke said: "David Beckham will have a greater impact on soccer in America than any athlete has ever had on a sport globally.

"David is truly the only individual that can build the 'bridge' between soccer in America and the rest of the world."

Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/spo...ll/6248835.stm

[GFerg]

Oh really!! I've heard talks about this for sometime now. Didnt think he would actually do it. Should shake things up a bit.

[LXotic]

Wow! too bad for England

[GFerg]

Didnt read this entire story, but dude is getting paid 250 MILLION over 5 years!! Yea, I would have left England too!!

[GS wanted]

Originally Posted by GFerg

Oh really!! I've heard talks about this for sometime now. Didnt think he would actually do it. Should shake things up a bit.
... ... ...

Didnt read this entire story, but dude is getting paid 250 MILLION over 5 years!! Yea, I would have left England too!!

He actually didn't leave England. He left Spain as he's currently playing with Real Madrid. Well, sitting the bench battling for a spot is more like it.

But, yes, this move has been rumored for weeks, if not months, now. The Galaxy even leaked a significant clue a couple weeks ago saying they have a "monumental signing" in store for the upcoming season. It is definitely a BIG story as Beckham is still a huge draw that commands a lot of attention. It's the best move he could make IMO for a number of reasons.
1) He's 31 years old and "passed his prime" in soccer terms.
2) The MLS essentially modified their salary cap rules to accomodate him.
3) He's no longer the England national team captain and wouldn't fit into too many teams back in England if he chose to return to that league to play.
4) In the MLS he'll be the #1 attraction initially.
5) LA LA land and the Hollywood scene is a perfect fit (for his wife too) since he has an academy there and it's a media capital.
6) It's easier for him to live up to the "hype" in the U.S. being the BIG fish in a small pond.
7) He opens the door for other well-known players to come to the MLS (and they're on the way.)
Rumors are that Edgar Davids (former AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Tottenham, and Dutch national team player) will join the MLS and play with the Dallas team. Dallas also have one of my old college teammates that's proven himself in England and with the Trinidad national team at this past World Cup.

[Richie]

Originally Posted by GFerg

Didnt read this entire story, but dude is getting paid 250 MILLION over 5 years!! Yea, I would have left England too!!

He's actually leaving spain, LOL.

[SCRUFFDOGG]

It's still soccer and in the US it takes a backseat to every other sport out there.

This is more about his image and endorsement deals than it is playing soccer. Next he'll try to become an actor, that's why he chose LA.

[Gojirra99]

Where's the best place for washed up international soccer superstar to postpone their retirement ? America of course

That's an astonishing amount of dough they are giving him, they have to sell tons & tons more T-shirts to make that back LOL .

[bitkahuna]

Originally Posted by GS wanted

He actually didn't leave England. He left Spain as he's currently playing with Real Madrid. Well, sitting the bench battling for a spot is more like it.

But, yes, this move has been rumored for weeks, if not months, now. The Galaxy even leaked a significant clue a couple weeks ago saying they have a "monumental signing" in store for the upcoming season. It is definitely a BIG story as Beckham is still a huge draw that commands a lot of attention. It's the best move he could make IMO for a number of reasons.
1) He's 31 years old and "passed his prime" in soccer terms.
2) The MLS essentially modified their salary cap rules to accomodate him.
3) He's no longer the England national team captain and wouldn't fit into too many teams back in England if he chose to return to that league to play.
4) In the MLS he'll be the #1 attraction initially.
5) LA LA land and the Hollywood scene is a perfect fit (for his wife too) since he has an academy there and it's a media capital.
6) It's easier for him to live up to the "hype" in the U.S. being the BIG fish in a small pond.
7) He opens the door for other well-known players to come to the MLS (and they're on the way.)
Rumors are that Edgar Davids (former AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Tottenham, and Dutch national team player) will join the MLS and play with the Dallas team. Dallas also have one of my old college teammates that's proven himself in England and with the Trinidad national team at this past World Cup.

Excellent post!!!

I think this is a huge step for U.S. soccer even if he is 'past his prime'.

[bitkahuna]

Originally Posted by SCRUFFDOGG

It's still soccer and in the US it takes a backseat to every other sport out there.

That's true right now, but as the U.S. becomes more and more Hispanic soccer will grow, plus soccer is just easier logistically to play than other sports, you don't need a hoop or a diamond, or even a load of players, and you don't need to be huge.

This is more about his image and endorsement deals than it is playing soccer. Next he'll try to become an actor, that's why he chose LA.

More power to him. It's still a huge win for U.S. soccer as well. A win-win deal. And as was said, it will pave the way for other big soccer names to come to the U.S.

[bitkahuna]

Originally Posted by LexArazzo

Where's the best place for washed up international soccer superstar to postpone their retirement ? America of course

That's an astonishing amount of dough they are giving him, they have to sell tons & tons more T-shirts to make that back LOL .

I believe the $250M is a rumor, that the number is a lot less than that but that he may make that much overall including his endorsement deals.

[GFerg]

Originally Posted by GS wanted

He actually didn't leave England. He left Spain as he's currently playing with Real Madrid. Well, sitting the bench battling for a spot is more like it.

Originally Posted by Richie

He's actually leaving spain, LOL.

LOL woops!! I actually did know this. I was watching an interview of his while typing that up yesterday. That damn accent threw me off.

As for him coming to U.S. to make a difference and to build up the sport of soccer here, I dunno man. I just cant fully buy into what he's selling right now. Sorry.

[Kepeli]

He is a has been. Last season he didn't even score a single goal. What will he do for soccer in the US? Absolutely nothing, the only people who will follow him are those who follow soccer.

[GS wanted]

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

I believe the $250M is a rumor, that the number is a lot less than that but that he may make that much overall including his endorsement deals.

Not necessarily a rumor but that money isn't actually guaranteed either. It should be "potential" salary. A lot of it will be tied into image rights, endorsements, incentives, etc. But, blasting such a high figure and comparing it to A. Rod's, Kobe's, Mike Vick's, etc. salaries is the American way...get the hype machine rolling.

Originally Posted by bitkahuna

That's true right now, but as the U.S. becomes more and more Hispanic soccer will grow, plus soccer is just easier logistically to play than other sports, you don't need a hoop or a diamond, or even a load of players, and you don't need to be huge.

Good points and all are valid but there is still more that needs to be done. There needs to be an Hispanic star to tap into that market as well. With cable television (Gol TV, ESPN Deportes, Fox Sports Espanol, Fox Soccer Channel, Telemundo, Setanta, Galavision, etc.) many in the Latin/Hispanic communities can still stay closely tied with their "home" clubs so the MLS is an afterthought a lot of times. The league has done a lot to change that in bringing Mexican and South American club teams here to play, creating a Chivas USA team here, etc. but they're still missing that name recognition well-known Latin star. And, for the real fans, if you look at the USA national team they've failed to tap into that talent pool as well recently. Soon enough that will change too though.
As far the overall market, Becks helps again. It's the most popular sport for kids in this country. Who is dragging these kids to games and practices in their mini-vans? Soccer moms. And for them Becks isn't so bad on the eyes.

Originally Posted by SCRUFFDOGG

This is more about his image and endorsement deals than it is playing soccer. Next he'll try to become an actor, that's why he chose LA.

DEFINITELY has a lot to do with his image and marketability but he'll likely impress as a player as well over here. He'll make the fwds/strikers he plays with look very good with the passes and crosses he's capable of. And he still has that magic in his freekicks at times. He's pretty much made a career off of his freekick ability. As for his acting future, who knows... But, if you've ever seen a soccer player feign a foul you know they've got a leg up on acting.

[Gojirra99]

Originally Posted by Kepeli

He is a has been. Last season he didn't even score a single goal. What will he do for soccer in the US? Absolutely nothing, the only people who will follow him are those who follow soccer.

I do follow soccer though not as avidly in the last few years, & I will not start watching MLS when he starts playing there.

I never find Beckham that watchable as a soccer player anyway. His skills are not multifaceted compared to most of his contemporary superstars playing in his position, basically a one trick pony - he's great at set plays & that's about it, the rest are just hype by the English speaking media of him & his celebrity wife.