Beckham makes debut for PSG

(si.com 2-24-13)

David Beckham celebrated his Paris Saint-Germain debut by helping to create the second goal as the French leaders beat bitter rival Marseille 2-0 on Sunday.

The 37-year-old former England captain came off the bench in the 76th minute of a tight match and, in stoppage time, his clever flick with the outside of his foot released fellow substitute Jeremy Menez down the left. The subsequent cross was turned in by striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for his league-leading 22nd goal of the season.

"The manager just told me to go and take the ball. There was a little bit of pressure on tonight, I enjoyed coming on,'' Beckham said. "I always knew that coming here and being a part of this team, I was never going to be in the starting 11 straight off, and that's the way I'll probably think for a while.''

After the second goal, Beckham rushed up to Ibrahimovic and jumped into the imposing Sweden striker's arms to the sound of cheers from relieved PSG fans because Marseille had forced eight saves from goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.

"I needed a fresh player on the pitch. He brought us the quality of his passing, his experience, tactical understanding,'' PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti said, praising Beckham's impact.

With midfielder Marco Verratti suspended for Wednesday's French Cup game against Marseille, Ancelotti said Beckham could start.

PSG took the lead in the 11th minute when Brazil winger Lucas' shot deflected off center back Nicolas N'Koulou and wrong-footed goalkeeper Steve Mandanda.

The win keeps PSG three points ahead of second-place Lyon and eight clear of third-place Marseille.

"It was a difficult match against an energetic team which put us under a lot of pressure,'' Ancelotti said.

Earlier Sunday, Lyon beat Lorient 3-1 and Bordeaux lost 2-0 at home to Brest, dropping to 10th place.

At Parc des Princes, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy was sat next to PSG sporting director Leonardo, while former Brazil striker Ronaldo and Samuel Eto'o were among the other high-profile guests watching Beckham.

The ground annoucner called for the crowd to give Beckham a warm welcome as he was paraded before fans five minutes before the start of the match, and he received a loud ovation. Fans chanted "David, David'' as he warmed up before coming on for playmaker Javier Pastore.

"The atmosphere in the stadium, the reception that I got tonight was pretty incredible,'' Beckham said. "Playing for a top-flight team, to be able to do that at my age, I'm very happy about that.''

Beckham is looking to win a championship title in a fourth different country after previous success with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy. He had not played a competitive match since his last appearance for the Galaxy on Dec. 1.

"It's been tough getting up to speed, because I obviously took seven weeks off and did absolutely nothing,'' Beckham said. "It was difficult to get back to fitness, but I feel good.''

Marseille lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Mathieu Valbuena sitting just behind center forward Andre
Pierre Gignac. But the visitors looked sloppy early on, and when Ibrahimovic flicked the ball on to Ezequiel Lavezzi, the Argentina winger hit the post with a fierce shot after just two minutes.

PSG took the lead when Blaise Matuidi slipped the ball to Lucas about 25 meters out, and his shot first clipped Joey Barton and then deflected off N'Koulou, with Mandanda stranded 10 meters off his line.

Marseille became more aggressive and winger Andre Ayew crashed into Ibrahimovic from behind, although Ayew came off worse.

Marseille had to wait until the 31st for its first shot on target as midfielder Foued Kadir's effort was tipped over by Sirigu.

Marseille gained in confidence, and Valbuena forced Sirigu into a low save with a free kick and Gignac also drew a save shortly afterward. Sirigu then made some fine stops in the second half to keep out an overhead kick and an angled drive from Gignac, and a looping header from Ayew.

"There's a feeling of frustration because we deserved to get back to 1-1,'' Marseille coach Elie Baup said. "Sirigu made quite a few saves, and we had 60 percent possession. But they were formidable on the break and took their chances.''

At Stade Gerland, Lorient took the lead in the 10th minute when Lyon goalkeeper Remy Vercoutre could only palm a header from Jeremie Aliadiere into his own net.

But goals from Argentine striker Lisandro Lopez, winger Rachid Ghezzal and substitute Arnold Mvuemba sealed a win for Lyon.

"I've always said that we play to be champions knowing there's PSG in our way,'' Lopez said. "As long as it's possible, I'll keep believing.''

Lyon conceded a late goal on Thursday to draw 1-1 with Tottenham and lose 3-2 on aggregate in the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Bordeaux conceded an own goal through defender Benoit Tremoulinas and Ahmed Kantari doubled the lead with a penalty.

Beckham to PSG

(si.com 1-31-13)

In a dazzling career filled with riches and titles, David Beckham is taking his globe-trotting soccer tour to one of the most alluring destinations of all.

The 37-year-old midfielder signed a five-month contract with Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, and has agreed to essentially play for free. He will donate his salary to a children's charity.

"It's one of the things we talked about from the start, but this all happened so quick," said Beckham, who did not disclose how much he will be paid or which group will get the money. "I thought what a great idea it would be that the salary would go to a children's charity in Paris."

The former England captain chose the ambitious French club after rejecting offers from other teams. The move came as the transfer window was starting to close and marks the latest step in a career that has seen Beckham win titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"Every club I have played for throughout the world, I have been successful with. I have been successful with Manchester United, and I have always said that I would never want to play for another English club," Beckham said. "It's the team that I support, that I always dreamt of playing for."

Beckham recently finished a six-year stint with the Galaxy in Major League Soccer. Whether he can still be a force in European soccer is uncertain, especially with so many talented players on a PSG team that has cost nearly $366 million to assemble since its Qatari owners took charge in June 2011.

"I am very lucky. I am 37 years old and I got offered a lot of offers, more offers now than I have probably had in my career, at my age," Beckham said. "I am very honored about that. I chose Paris because I can see what the club are trying to do, the players the club are trying to bring in. It's an exciting city, always has been, always will be."

The immaculately dressed Beckham was a model of elegance and calm as camera crews and photographers jostled for position amid the frenzy. He joked that he feels much younger than his age.

"To be the elder statesman, I'm very proud of that," he said. "No matter what my age is, I still feel 21 years old - most days."

Beckham's deal runs out in June but he intends to keep playing, although whether that will be with PSG remains to be decided. He is, however, eager to have a long-term role at the club.

"We slightly brushed over it, a long-term partnership is what we have looked for," he said. "Short term is playing, but long term is something we are very proud to be part of this organization that will grow and become one of the biggest in Europe."

Beckham was close to joining PSG last year, discussing a potential move with a club desperately chasing a big name to match its sudden glamour and seemingly endless funds from its Qatari backers.

But the move fell through and PSG moved on to other targets, landing striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and AC Milan teammate Thiago Silva as well as Napoli winger Ezequiel Lavezzi and Brazilian prodigy Lucas.

"I felt last year that I still had something to achieve in Los Angeles. I won the championship in the last year of my contract," said Beckham, adding that the time was not right. "So we parked it and decided that right now is the right time because I was at the end of my contract last year. I accepted one more year in Los Angeles, I won another championship, another trophy in Los Angeles and I believe it was the right time to leave."

He said the agreement was finally sealed overnight. And shortly before noon Thursday, he made the short flight from London to Paris.

"Right now, I have a few things to sort out with my children and the schooling and a few other things," he said. "I have been training at Arsenal. My fitness won't take long to get up to speed. I definitely won't be fit for next Friday. A few weeks and I'll be up to speed."

Beckham said he was enticed by putting his salary to work in a novel way.

"It's something I'm not sure has been done before, and it's something I'm very passionate about, children and the charity side of things, and so are the club," he said. "We came together and it's something special."

For the time being, Beckham will stay in a hotel, with his family staying in London.

"I think it'll be easier for me," he said. "Whatever's easiest for me and the family when they come to watch me."

On the field, other challenges await. One of them is free kicks, Beckham's specialty. The high-scoring Ibrahimovic is around for such duties, but Beckham says he has experience in such matters.

"If I get the chance, then I'm sure we will share that thing. Whoever fancies it," Beckham said. "I've done it in the past. I've been in teams with Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo and (Zinedine) Zidane - trying to take a free kick off Roberto Carlos is pretty difficult. I expect with Ibra, it will be exactly the same."

Beckham in US: He came, he sold, he conquered

(si.com 12-2-12)

David Beckham came, he sold, he conquered.

For the first two years after he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, he was more of a brand than a player, his impact at America's cash registers far greater than any transformation on the field.

By the time the 37-year-old English midfielder played his final game in Major League Soccer on Saturday, he had achieved his goals athletically in addition to financially, winning two more titles and expanding the U.S. audience for his sport. He gained attention for his play, not just for his ever-changing hairstyles, Spice Girl wife and celebrity friends.

"When I decided to come here, I think I raised a little bit of interest, and I hope that's what I've done," Beckham said. "If that's the single thing that I've done, then great. But I think the foundations are there now in this league. It's a 17-year-old league and the foundations are great. It will continue to grow."

The league expanded by about 50 percent, with new teams announced during the Beckham era that started play in San Jose (2008), Seattle (2009), Philadelphia (2010), Vancouver and Portland (2011), and Montreal (2012). That raised the total to 19.

Ground was broken for soccer-specific stadiums in Houston, Kansas City and Philadelphia, the long-delayed venue in New Jersey was completed, and extensive renovations took place in Montreal, Portland and Vancouver.

MLS' regular-season attendance averaged 15,504 in 2006, the last season before Beckham left Real Madrid to sign with the Galaxy. It was up to a record 18,807 this year, still well short of the record 44,293 set by the Bundesliga in 2011-12 and the 35,356 for England's Premier League.

Beckham said his goals were to win and increase awareness of the league both domestically and abroad.

"I don't think anybody would doubt that he has over-delivered on every one of those measures," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "There's arguably not a soccer fan on this planet that doesn't know the L.A. Galaxy and Major League Soccer, and David played a significant role in helping us make that happen. He was an unbelievable ambassador for the league, for the Galaxy."

Beckham made his debut for Manchester United's first team in 1992, the year when he turned 17 and played alongside Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville for the Red Devils' winning team in the FA Youth Cup. By 21 he made his debut for England's national team.

He helped United win six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League. Sold to Real for 35 million euros (then $41 million), he won Spain's La Liga in his fourth and final season.

By then, he already had announced he was moving to Los Angeles. While his handlers and the Galaxy hyped the deal as being worth "in excess $250 million," it turned out to be a $32.5 million, five-year contract. Still, he earned 50 times the league's average of $129,395 in 2008 and twice as much as any other player.

Following his first Galaxy appearance, in an exhibition against Chelsea, he was given a welcoming party hosted by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art. A crowd of 46,686 showed up for his MLS debut on Aug. 9, 2007, at D.C. United.

While injuries limited his playing time, the five games he played averaged 37,659 fans - in a league where the overall average that year was 16,770. MLS jersey sales rose 780 percent.

"I don't think there's any doubt that David has increased the visibility of MLS and the sport more generally," U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said. "That very positive impact will be felt for many years."

When Beckham arrived, his mind seemed to be on England as much as it was on California. He commuted back to play for England's national team, hoping to make its 2010 World Cup roster, and played on loan for AC Milan in early 2009 and 2010. While in Italy, he tore his left Achilles tendon, ending his England career after 17 goals and 115 appearances - second only to goalkeeper Peter Shilton's 125.

Only after the injury did he seem to focus on MLS. His relationship with Galaxy co-star Landon Donovan improved - Donovan took back the captain's armband - and Beckham helped Los Angeles to three straight league finals - beating Houston in the title game in 2011 and this year. He scored 20 goals in 116 competitive appearances over 6 1/2 years.

Only in television ratings did MLS fail to achieve a long-term boost. The league's regular-season telecasts on ESPN and ESPN2 averaged 311,000 viewers this year, up less than 5 percent over 2007.

Rafa Marquez, Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane followed him to MLS. Frank Lampard and Kaka may become the next big stars to join the league.

The very best players, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real's Cristiano Ronaldo, are far too good and far too expensive to leave Europe for MLS right now, a league still in its developmental stage.

Beckham, though, made it acceptable for stars just past their primes to trek across the Atlantic as salesmen and scorers. After the next stop in his playing career - likely the last - Beckham intends to return to MLS as an owner.

"I know it's the No. 1 sport in the world. There's other great sports here, of course, I believe it can compete with the basketball. I believe it can compete with American football and baseball," Beckham said. "That's why I'm totally committed to that."

Beckham wins 2nd MLS title, Galaxy beat Dynamo 3-1

(by Greg Beacham ksl.com 12-1-12)

David Beckham stood on the podium with his three sons, an oversized Union Jack knotted around his Los Angeles Galaxy jersey. With a practiced lift and a broad smile, he raised the sparkling silver cup over his head to a raucous ovation amid a confetti blizzard.

Now that's a Hollywood ending worthy of a star.

Beckham wrapped up his MLS career as a two-time champion Saturday, with Landon Donovan's tiebreaking goal on a penalty kick in the 65th minute propelling the Galaxy to a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup.

Omar Gonzalez tied it in the 61st minute with a long header for the Galaxy, who defended their title in a rematch of last season's championship game. For the second straight year, Beckham raised a trophy that stands as evidence of the 37-year-old English midfielder's indelible impact on American soccer during his six seasons in Los Angeles.

"It's been a successful six years here, and now that we've won the second one, it's even more satisfying," Beckham said. "I just hope people have enjoyed me playing here. It's what I always hope for when I step on the field."

With a stirring second-half surge capped by Robbie Keane's goal on another penalty kick in injury time, Los Angeles won its fourth MLS Cup, tying D.C. United for the league record.

The Galaxy also gave an appropriate farewell to Beckham, who will play elsewhere in the new year before eventually returning to MLS as a team owner. With rumors linking him everywhere from Sydney to Paris, he hasn't disclosed his immediate plans beyond a Christmas vacation back home in England.

Los Angeles will miss Beckham, but the glamorous global icon is going out at an apex for MLS' highest-profile franchise.

"I just hope I've brought a bit of interest to the game (in America)," Beckham said. "If that's the single thing I've done, then great. But I think the foundations are there now in this league. It's a 17-year-old league, and the foundations are great. It will continue to grow."

After Calen Carr put Houston ahead in the 44th minute, Beckham and his high-scoring teammates systematically broke down the defense of the Dynamo, who lost the MLS Cup 1-0 to Los Angeles on the same field last year.

While Gonzalez got the equalizer on a cagey play by MLS' top defender last season, Keane played another stellar attacking game for Los Angeles before earning his own penalty kick when Houston's Tally Hall knocked him down in the box.

Donovan redeemed himself for missing an open net in the 13th minute by burying his penalty kick after a handball in the box by Houston's Ricardo Clark. The U.S. national team star, who is also contemplating a departure from soccer, won his record-tying fifth MLS title while scoring his fifth career MLS Cup goal and the record 22nd goal of his postseason career.

"It's a little surreal," Donovan said. "In any sport, to repeat is really hard to do. ... For me personally, this felt more satisfying (than last year). We could enjoy it a little bit more."

After Keane's goal clinched it, Beckham left the game to a raucous standing ovation from the packed stadium amid chants of "Thank you, David!"

Beckham hugged Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who won his fourth MLS title, and just about everybody on the Galaxy bench before the game ended moments later.

Beckham streamed onto the field with his teammates and waved thanks at the fans before he was joined by his three sons, all clad in No. 23 Galaxy jerseys.

"Today was always going to be an emotional day for myself, win or lose," said Beckham, who also won trophies in his final seasons at Real Madrid and Manchester United. "Coming off was tough, but I enjoyed the win today."

The pregame rain cleared long enough for MLS' sunny farewell to Beckham, who arrived in Los Angeles in 2007 from Real with designs on changing the American perception of the world's most popular game. The league has grown steadily during his tenure, with most MLS franchises on sound financial footing and in excellent stadiums, although the sport's popularity and TV ratings haven't matched the other American pastimes.

Beckham was wildly cheered by many of the same diehard Galaxy supporters who booed him three years ago after his loans to AC Milan and an injury-riddled start to his Galaxy career. The Home Depot Center souvenir stands were loaded with Beckham shirts, including one that said "Take Me With You!"

These two franchises have combined to win eight of the last 12 MLS titles, dating back to the Dynamo's days in San Jose. Houston seems stuck as a supporting player in the Galaxy's story, despite its rally from the Eastern Conference's last playoff seed to the championship match.

"You have to be proud of what we've accomplished once again," Houston captain Brad Davis said. "It isn't easy to get to this game, and this is the fourth time in seven years. It's a credit to this group of guys."

After winning the title last year on a Beckham-to-Keane-to-Donovan beauty of a goal, Los Angeles nearly had another storybook score in the 13th minute when Beckham launched a long, high pass to a sprinting Keane, who slipped behind the defense and centered it perfectly for Donovan.

But he inexplicably pushed his shot inches wide of the post, leaving him with both hands on his head while the stadium released the usual post-goal confetti anyway.

"When you're in a moment like that, you feel like you let the team down," Donovan said. "Candidly, it sat with me until halftime. I took a few minutes at halftime, sort of collected myself, and tried to stay present, because you can't change it."

The Dynamo improved their pressure late in the first half, and Adam Moffat's long pass eventually set up Carr's impressive near-post goal past Josh Saunders.

Carr leaped the corner flag in celebration of a rare score for the forward, a Bay Area native who joined the Dynamo last season and managed just four goals this year.

But with Keane and Beckham leading the second-half charge, the Galaxy finally broke through when Gonzalez stuck around the box after a failed setpiece and managed to bounce a looping header past Hall. Gonzalez's delayed return from injury this season sparked the Galaxy's late-season surge.

"At the beginning of the season, I didn't see myself getting back to this level," said Gonzalez, named the game's MVP.

Clark was then called for a handball in the box in the 65th minute after an extended defensive scramble by the Dynamo. It was another high-profile mistake by the U.S. national team player whose turnover led to Ghana's first goal in the Americans' 2-1 elimination loss at the World Cup two years ago.

"When the penalty came, I'm not going to fool anyone and say I was calm about it," Donovan said. "I was pretty nervous. But you have to keep going, and every one of these guys said, `Forget about it. Keep going.'"

After Donovan scored, Houston frantically pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, but Saunders and his defense repeatedly denied the Dynamo. After Hall wrapped his hand around Keane's thigh to stop a chance in the box, Keane confidently ended it with his sixth goal of a spectacular six-game playoff run in the Irish national team captain's first full MLS season.

"Being successful doesn't come easy," Beckham said. "You have to work at it. I tell my children every single day that if you want to be successful, it's hard graft. It doesn't come easy, and I think we proved that this year."

Beckham mum on plans after leaving MLS, Galaxy

(by Greg Beacham ksl.com 11-20-12)

David Beckham will announce the next stop in his soccer career near the end of the year. Until then, he's focusing on winning one more trophy with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham said Tuesday he has several "exciting opportunities on the table" to continue playing after he leaves the Galaxy next month, capping a six-season U.S. career with Los Angeles' second straight appearance in the MLS Cup on Dec. 1.

"I still feel that I have something left in me as a player," Beckham said at the Galaxy's training complex. "I still feel like I have one more challenge in me as a player. Even at 37 years old, I still can play at a high level. Where that will be yet, I haven't decided.

"Right now my focus is on the final," he added. "Once that's out of the way, we have an (exhibition) tour to deal with, and then it's Christmas, which we always spend in London, so I'll be there and I'll make the decision then."

The English midfielder wasn't specific about where he might end up next, deflecting questions about every destination from Australia and China to France and Britain. While discussing his future in the most oblique terms, Beckham only confirmed he won't move to New York or any other MLS team.

"There are options, and I'm very lucky at my age to have options," Beckham said. "People have talked about my retirement, people have mentioned will I retire, and I actually don't feel I'm ready to retire yet."

After two strong MLS seasons largely free from major injuries, Beckham says he's leaving Los Angeles only because he reached every goal he set for himself in his landmark move stateside in 2007. He agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Galaxy last January after completing his initial five-year deal, but revealed the second year of his deal was a mutual option.

"I feel that I've been successful off the field, but on the field has always been the most important thing for me," Beckham said. "To be able to win a championship last year, that was the final goal for me with this team."

Given Beckham's acumen for managing his worldwide celebrity alongside his soccer career, his next destination could be Australia's A League, where five clubs have confirmed interest in acquiring him to boost the sport's relatively low popularity Down Under, or China's Super League, where Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka already are playing for Shanghai Shenhua.

Beckham politely declined to give any indication where he'll play in the new year – but he confirmed he plans to become an MLS owner in the near future, sounding his usual optimistic notes about soccer's future in North America. Beckham's MLS contract includes an option to purchase a franchise when his career ends.

He also did nothing to squash growing speculation he could become at least a part-owner of the Galaxy if he doesn't get an MLS expansion team. AEG, the sports conglomerate that owns the Galaxy and the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, is for sale.

"The foundations are now there for this sport to continue to grow," Beckham said. "I've seen it grow in the last six years, and we all want it to continue to grow. My commitment as an owner, people will be well aware of that in the new year, and hopefully where that will be. And like I said, my commitment as an ambassador for this sport and this country won't change."

When asked whether he was aware the Galaxy are for sale, Beckham smiled and said: "I heard that. I heard that. We'll see."

Beckham announced his decision to his teammates earlier Tuesday, although coach Bruce Arena and star Landon Donovan already knew about it. Beckham said he got a round of applause and "a little abuse" from the Galaxy, who will attempt to win their second straight league title against the Houston Dynamo at Home Depot Center next Saturday.

"We're all very aware of the timing," said Donovan, the American star who clashed with Beckham upon his arrival in Los Angeles before forming a durable partnership. "It's a good thing. He's certainly going to be very motivated, and all of us who have been around are going to want to send him out the right way."

Although Beckham is done playing for the Galaxy, it's clear the global icon isn't permanently leaving Hollywood. Beckham said his family considers it home, and he plans to "be at as many games as possible" next season.

"I'll continue to support this club, because I love the players here," Beckham said. "I love the fans. I love the ownership."

When asked if he would miss Beckham, Arena smiled.

"He'll be around," Arena said. "David can talk about what David is doing, but I don't think he's leaving Los Angeles forever. He'll still be here."

When asked how Beckham would do as an MLS owner, Arena joked: "He might get rid of the coach. That might be one of his first acts as an owner."

"I'm sure he'll be very good," Arena added. "My guess is David's not going to be sitting behind a desk 12 hours a day in a management capacity. I think he'll be a little bit apart, and come in when needed and do that. But I think his experience, his presence, his name is going to do wonders for whichever club he ends up being part of."

When asked whether he could work for Beckham, Arena cracked: "I've been working for him for the last four years. I'm happy I'm getting a break for a little bit."

David Beckham to Play His Final Game for the LA Galaxy in MLS Cup 2012

Midfielder to end six-year playing career with LA on Dec. 1

(lagalaxy.com 11-19-12)

LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham announced today that MLS Cup 2012 on Saturday, December 1 will be his final competitive game with the club. Originally signed in January 2007, Beckham has spent the past six seasons with the Galaxy, helping lead the club to three MLS Cup berths, including the third championship in club history in 2011 when they beat the Houston Dynamo 1-0 in MLS Cup 2011 at The Home Depot Center in front of a then-stadium record of more than 30,000 fans.

During his playing career with the Galaxy, Beckham catapulted Major League Soccer onto the world stage, dramatically enhancing its profile globally and increasing the popularity of soccer in the United States.

The arrival of Beckham in Southern California and Major League Soccer has coincided with a period of unrivaled growth for both the Galaxy and the league, which is approaching the conclusion of its 17th season. Seven expansion teams - Montreal, Portland, Vancouver, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Jose and Toronto FC - have debuted since 2007 while 15 of the league’s 19 teams now play in soccer specific stadiums, up from five prior to 2007. Attendance at those stadiums are at unprecedented highs with an average of 18,807 fans attending games during the 2012 MLS regular season and nearly 22,000 fans turning out per game in the postseason. Additionally, exposure and recognition of the Galaxy and MLS are at all-time highs with the league maintaining national television broadcast deals with ESPN, NBC Sports and Univision while the Galaxy reached a 10-year broadcast deal with Time Warner Cable Sports in November 2011 that is the most lucrative in MLS history.

"I've had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career," Beckham said. "I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future."

Beckham, who is managed by Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment, added, "In my time here I have seen the popularity of the game grow every year. I've been fortunate to win trophies, but more important to me has been the fantastic reception I've had from fans in L.A. and across the States. Soccer's potential has no limits in this wonderful country and I want to always be part of growing it."

In his six seasons with the Galaxy, Beckham appeared in 98 regular season games, tallying 18 goals and adding 40 assists, good for the fourth most in club history. An MLS Best XI selection in 2011 and a three-time MLS All-Star, Beckham also helped the Galaxy qualify for the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League in each of the last two years and reach the Western Conference Championship in each of the past four years, advancing to MLS Cup three times. Beckham has excelled in the postseason, appearing in and starting all 16 playoff games that the Galaxy have played since 2009. In that time, he has recorded eight assists, which are the third most in club history, meaning that he has set up one third of his team’s goals in that time. He set an MLS record by becoming the first player ever to register an assist in five consecutive postseason games, including one in all four of LA’s games during their run to the 2011 MLS Cup championship.

“Seldom does an athlete redefine a sport and David not only took our franchise to another level but he took our sport to another level,” said Tim Leiweke, President and CEO of AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group). “It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of his world, and more importantly, to have him be a part of ours.”

A veteran of three World Cups and the most capped field player in England history, Beckham made 115 appearances for his country, scoring 17 goals while captaining the side on more than 50 occasions. His club career prior to coming to MLS was equally stellar, having won six Premier League titles during a sensational 12-year career at Manchester United that also saw him win the FA Cup twice and the 1999 UEFA Champions League title, helping United claim the “Treble” that season, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in addition to the Champions League. In July 2003, Beckham moved to Spain, signing with Real Madrid. In his final season at the Bernabeu, Beckham helped lead Madrid to the 2006-07 La Liga title, ending a four year title drought. Following that season, Beckham officially joined the Galaxy, debuting in a friendly against Chelsea at The Home Depot Center.

“When David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, he set out to help grow MLS and the sport of soccer in North America,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “There is no doubt that MLS is far more popular and important here and abroad than it was when he arrived. David has achieved great things on and off the field during his time with the Galaxy, and he will always be an important part of our history. We look forward to his continued involvement with the LA Galaxy and the League.”

Beckham pay cut nearly 40 percent

(foxsoccer.com 5-26-12)

David Beckham is no longer Major League Soccer's highest-paid player after his salary was cut nearly 40 percent in his new contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.


The former England captain has a base salary of $3 million this year and guaranteed compensation of $4 million, according to figures released on Friday by the MLS Players Union. His previous base salary had been $5.5 million with total annual compensation of $6.5 million under a $32.5 million, five-year contract that expired after the 2011 season.


New York's Thierry Henry became the league's highest-paid player, with a base salary of $5 million and total compensation of $5.6 million.

Red Bulls teammate Rafa Marquez was second at $4.6 million total compensation, followed by Beckham and Galaxy teammates Robbie Keane ($2,9 million base, $3,4 million total) and Landon Donovan ($2.4 million).

Don't airbrush Beckham's legacy

(by Jeff Carlisle espn.go.com 11-23-11)

As the final whistle sounded Sunday at the Home Depot Center, Major League Soccer could rest easy. After more than four years of waiting, the league at last had its David Beckham moment.

The Los Angeles Galaxy had claimed their first MLS Cup since 2005, and Beckham, despite an ailing hamstring, had been in the middle of it all. With fans singing his praises, a clearly emotional Beckham soaked in the adulation, telling ESPN's Rob Stone, "I'm glad all the hard work this season has paid off, because we've been incredible."

The sight of Beckham hoisting the MLS Cup will leave an indelible image in the minds of those who witnessed it, MLS commissioner Don Garber among them. "I think the whole David Beckham experience would not have been fully complete without a championship," Garber said in a telephone interview. "Now we can close that chapter."

But there's one problem with iconic moments -- they tend to be accompanied by an airbrushing of history. This appears to be taking place with Beckham.

This is not to question the wisdom of bringing Beckham to MLS in the first place. Financially, the deal has proved to be a winner by almost any measure. "In signing Beckham, MLS basically made a big down payment to accelerate the global notoriety of the league," said David Carter, who serves as executive director of the Sports Business Institute at USC's Marshall School of Business. "They were willing to engage him on a variety of levels with respect to marketing; his helping market the Galaxy and the league to be this ambassador that everyone has talked about. Along the way I think that has certainly helped with respect to bringing in other players and elevating the global awareness of MLS."

But in terms of on-the-field matters, the relationship was rockier. Whenever Beckham was asked to choose between his MLS commitments and his personal desires, he did what was best for him, especially as it related to his international ambitions. As recently as January, Beckham was itching for a loan to EPL side Tottenham even though his previous loan spell with AC Milan had ended with his tearing his Achilles tendon and resulting in his missing all but 11 games of the 2010 MLS season. The Galaxy, in a rare display of backbone, quite rightly rejected their star's desire to play at White Hart Lane.

Let's also not forget that in 2009, Beckham decided that he was having such a splendid time with the Italian giants that he opted to extend this loan until midsummer, missing half the MLS regular season. To Garber's credit, he admitted the league hadn't always helped itself in the face of Beckham's offseason dalliances.

"It was frustrating that the [2009] offseason loan went further into the season," Garber said. "We also underestimated the pushback from fans as well as the risk of injury. In retrospect, I wish we hadn't done it. But it did build a closer relationship with David and eventually allowed us to achieve more of our goals."

For all the talk of Beckham's stellar 2011 campaign, the year was witness to more selfish behavior when he missed a May 25 league match against Houston to attend Gary Neville's testimonial. Granted, the two are close friends, with Neville acting as best man at Beckham's wedding, and it was ultimately Galaxy manager Bruce Arena who made the decision to allow his midfielder to go. But it was Beckham who put in the request, again showing little respect for MLS. Incredibly, Garber doesn't have a problem with it.

"Beckham is a global icon who is connected to the broader world of soccer and cultural things like the royal wedding," he said. "Some events are bigger than the league. That's the price you pay for exposure.

"I am convinced that if he was playing for Real Madrid, they would have let him go [to Neville's testimonial]. It shows respect for soccer culture, and it is those types of events that make the game so special. I can understand people scratching their head over that, but not everyone understands the importance that those games have to players."

With all due respect to Garber, it's inconceivable that if Beckham had made that request to Manchester United, manager Sir Alex Ferguson, or former Real Madrid and current England manager Fabio Capello would have agreed to his request. Ferguson likely would have responded by kicking another shoe in Beckham's direction. It should be noted that such events are scheduled with the European calendar in mind, so such conflicts are avoided. That doesn't mean that MLS and the Galaxy should be the ones to take a back seat and reveals that in the fifth year of his contract, they still displayed something of an inferiority complex when it came to their most famous player.

Such criticism isn't intended to cast Beckham into the role of villain. His behavior is especially difficult to reconcile when stacked against his in-game efforts this season. Given his profile and salary, he should have been the Galaxy's best player, and he was. We're talking about a player who displayed an immense level of competitiveness and had no qualms about playing injured, hardly the attitude of someone coming to MLS for a vacation.

It's possible that despite the arranged-marriage nature of his relationship with MLS, Beckham grew to appreciate the league in the end. But given how relentlessly on-message he is in his limited dealings with the media, that's difficult to gauge. It's a shame the paying public wasn't witness to more 2011-like displays by the former England captain.

Then again, with the passage of time and given the way Beckham finished out his initial five-year contract, none of his indiscretions may end up mattering, at least on the surface.

"I think ultimately because of the way it ended, the soccer perspective will also come to be known as a success," said former Galaxy general manager and ESPN television analyst Alexi Lalas. "That's the nature of images and perception. All that stuff rolled into one night where everything went according to script and, from a Galaxy perspective, as perfectly as you could want it to go."

But if MLS is to continue to grow after Beckham leaves -- and given the intense interest from clubs like Paris St. Germain, that could take place soon -- it's important that his impact be judged on the totality of his tenure in the U.S., both good and bad. MLS wasn't in need of saving when he arrived, and the same is true now. Certainly there is a Beckham component to many of the league's growth initiatives, but to ignore his (at times) condescending treatment of the league only obscures the smart decisions MLS has made that arguably will have a bigger long-term impact. And if Beckham is given all the credit, that will only serve to foster the false belief that the league will crumble when he's gone, a perception Garber is keen to avoid.

"The level of play continues to grow," Garber said. "The number of star players is up to 20. We've expanded by seven clubs since Beckham arrived. We've opened nine new stadiums and added lots of new sponsors. Beckham has been a part of the story, but he's not the only driver. You look at the success of the three teams in the Pacific Northwest. None of those players have Beckham on their roster."

That is the message the league should be driving home even more. And years from now, if Beckham is remembered as having helped achieve those things, even given the stumbles that dotted his stay here, that will be a worthy legacy.

Becks gets his trophy

Donovan, Beckham lead L.A. Galaxy past Dynamo 1-0 to MLS crown

(si.com 11-20-11)

Landon Donovan scored in the 72nd minute on passes from Robbie Keane and David Beckham, and the Los Angeles Galaxy's three superstars won their first MLS Cup together with a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday night.

Beckham won his first MLS championship in the final game of his groundbreaking five-year contract with the Galaxy, who rolled through the postseason to the franchise's third league title after finishing with MLS' best regular-season record.

Beckham punctuated a solid performance in the MLS Cup with an alert header to Keane, the Irish striker who joined Los Angeles in midseason. Keane made a run and eventually fed Donovan, who struck home his record 20th MLS playoff goal.

Beckham lifted Donovan -- selected the MLS Cup MVP -- off his feet with a hug after the final whistle in the Galaxy's record seventh appearance in the league title game.

Los Angeles had the most expensive and highest-profile roster in MLS history, but the Galaxy got full value from their three highest-priced players, particularly in the playoffs. Beckham's assist was his fourth of a stellar postseason, while Donovan scored in each of the Galaxy's final three playoff games, and Keane was a serious offensive force despite flying across the world in his spare time on Irish national team duty.

A sellout crowd of 30,281 at Home Depot Center -- where the Galaxy didn't lose a game all season long -- cheered Los Angeles past the Dynamo, who hadn't lost in nine games since Sept. 10. Houston struggled for offense in the MLS Cup after losing leading scorer and league MVP runner-up Brad Davis to a torn quadriceps in the Eastern Conference championship.

Beckham put a stylish finish on the best season of his five-year stint with the Galaxy, finishing second in MLS with 15 assists while spending the entire season in Los Angeles. The English superstar hasn't decided where he'll play next year, but the Galaxy hope he extends his California sojourn for at least another season.

The Galaxy fanatics in the Angel City Brigade supporters' section chanted "We want Beckham!" after the final whistle.

This championship had been the Galaxy's to lose since early in the season. Los Angeles dominated the league and won the Supporters' Shield with the second-best regular-season record in MLS history, and the Galaxy didn't disappoint in the playoffs as they did last season.

Donovan also earned vindication in his fourth career MLS championship. The U.S. national team star gave up his Galaxy captaincy to Beckham early in their tenure, but got it back as his partnership with Beckham matured over the past three seasons.

The Galaxy dominated play in the scoreless first half, with the cautious Dynamo sitting back while Los Angeles pressed. Beckham was the most creative attacker, but the Galaxy struggled to finish his service - nobody more than forward Adam Cristman, who replaced injured Chad Barrett in the starting lineup.

Beckham put a perfect corner kick onto Cristman's head in the 12th minute, but the Los Angeles forward botched the finish. He then missed back-to-back chances starting in the 27th minute, failing to convert another header on Beckham's pass over the defense before losing his footing and misplaying a ball from Donovan inside the penalty area moments later.

After Keane barely missed a shot across the mouth of the goal early in the second half, he slipped a shot between goalkeeper Tally Hall's legs in the 56th minute, but was whistled offside by the smallest of margins.

LA vs NY, Becks vs Henry, a MLS photo for the ages

David Beckham: One more for Man U

(espn.go.com 5-23-11)

David Beckham is headed back to play for Manchester United -- for one night only.

The former England captain will play at Old Trafford in an exhibition Tuesday to honor the career of former teammate Gary Neville.

He says he is thrilled to be pulling on the red shirt he wore for 10 years until 2003.

Beckham says "I get goose bumps every time I think about stepping out at Old Trafford again."

Neville graduated with Beckham from the same United youth team that produced Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes and was also best man at the midfielder's 1999 wedding.

Beckham told MLSsoccer.com that "putting a United shirt on again never gets old."

United is hosting Juventus to honor Neville after his retirement this season.

--------------------

David Beckham helps stranded family

(espn.go.com 2-9-11)

WARE, England -- David Beckham stopped to help a stranded family whose car broke down on the way to school.

Beckham pulled over during morning rush hour near a roundabout in the town of Ware in England. He assisted photographer Paul Long and his two children.

Long had been ignored by other motorists before the soccer star came to his rescue. He said Beckham asked if they were OK, and Long said he asked for a push to the side of the road.

Long told BBC Radio on Wednesday he said, "Thanks David, I love you" as the former England captain returned to his car.

Beckham is training with Premier League club Tottenham until Feb. 22. He'll soon return to the Los Angeles Galaxy for the MLS season.

His Beckhamness

Whether you think he's the bee's knees or overhyped, there is no doubting MLS took a huge leap forward when Beckham joined LA in 2007.


Of course with Becks you also get Posh, which is not a bad deal. I certainly wouldn't kick her out of my bed for eating crackers.


Beckham at his best, playing hard for the the Three Lions.