Top > Sport > 2007 > January > 2007-01-22

Beckham Goes to Los Angeles

David Beckham, Real Madrid`s star, announced Thursday that he intends to leave the Spanish League and sign with the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team in the American Major League Soccer (MLS). ?I didn?t want to go out there at 34 years old and for people to turn around and say, ?He?s only going there to get the money,? ? he said in an interview released Thursday. ?It?s not what I?m going out there to do. I?m going to hopefully build a club and a team that has a lot of potential.?

Beckham is expected to sign a 5 year contract. The contract is said to be of the imaginary sum of $250 million during the 5 year period. For the purpose of comparison, the highest played player in the NBA is Kevin Garnett, who received a 7 year contract for $129 million. Beckham arrived at Real Madrid from Manchester United as a true superstar and one of the world`s most recognized athletes, though in recent years his ability and position have been in decline. Fabio Capello, Real Madrid`s coach, has had enough of him, therefore Beckham hasn`t a choice but to look for a new team.

Beckham claims the process went differently, saying he was offered a two year contract at Real Madrid but he decided to go play at the MLS anyway. Since the news of Beckham`s move to the Los Angeles Galaxy, the team has sold over 3,000 season tickets, raising hopes that Beckham might save the failing soccer league.