Beckham set to join Galaxy

Jan 11, 2007, 16:35 GMT

Los Angeles, CA - English soccer star David Beckham will not return to Real Madrid and is set to play in the United States for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.

Real Madrid released a statement Thursday, saying the team and Beckham decided not to extend the player's contract beyond June 30.

The London Times reported that the 31-year-old Beckham has agreed to a five- year deal worth $250 million to play for the Galaxy.

'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,' Beckham said in a statement.

'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.'

Beckham played for Manchester United before joining Real Madrid in July 2003.

The MLS will now have one of the sport's most recognized stars and, arguably, the biggest name to play pro soccer in the United States since the days of Pele and Franz Beckenbauer in the old North American Soccer League.

'David Beckham is a global sports icon who will transcend the sport of soccer in America,' said MLS commissioner Don Garber. 'His decision to continue his storied career in Major League Soccer is testament to the fact that America is rapidly becoming a true 'Soccer Nation' with Major League Soccer at the core.

'In the last few years, MLS has added three new teams, six new owners, four new soccer specific stadiums and signed four long term television agreements. The addition of David Beckham represents another significant step forward for the MLS and the sport.

'As importantly, David's enormous success as a player and team leader will serve as an inspiration to millions of soccer players and fans in this country and his global popularity will help take MLS and the sport of soccer in this country to an unprecedented level of excitement and popularity here and abroad.'

Beckham becomes the first MLS player acquired via the league's new Designated Player Rule, which allows the signing of players whose salary falls outside the team salary budget.

'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 AEG, which owns the Galaxy. 'We are acquiring an individual that will not only be the best ambassador and the best role model for athletes and fans of soccer, but the best example of what any athlete can and should be. David is truly the only individual that can build the 'bridge' between soccer in America and the rest of the world.'

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