Theo Huxtable. Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=2788537 David Beckham to Play for L.A. Galaxy David Beckham Will Leave Real Madrid at the End of the Season to Join the Los Angeles Galaxy By BETH HARRIS The Associated Press LOS ANGELES - Bend this, TomKat and Brangelina: Becks 'n' Posh are coming to Hollywood. And David Beckham didn't even have to audition to become the next American Idol. The most recognized player on the planet fashion icon, tabloid fixture, marketing giant agreed to a deal Thursday to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. Bringing goals, glitz and his Spice Girl wife, Beckham is leading another British invasion, hoping to do for American soccer what the Beatles once did for pop music make it rock. "There are so many great sports in America," the 31-year-old former England captain said. "There are so many kids that play baseball, American football, basketball. But soccer is huge all around the world apart from America, so that's where I want to make a difference with the kids." Beckham turned down a two-year contract extension from Real Madrid, where his fading skills left the free kick specialist on the bench. He'll start for the Galaxy and could enter a whole new universe: His deal was negotiated by major entertainment industry players, including the creator of "American Idol." "David Beckham is a global sports icon who will transcend the sport of soccer in America," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. The Galaxy didn't say exactly what they'll pay him, but floated a figure of $250 million in salary and commercial endorsements over the five years of his contract. In other words, $1 million a week. A "Bend It Like Beckham" sequel, with more than just a cameo this time? Probably not far behind. Beckham and his pop star wife, Victoria, should fit in just fine in LA. He opened a soccer academy in Carson, Calif., last year, and she was photographed house-hunting in the area. A celebrity who draws paparazzi like a movie star, Beckham and his wife regularly find their way onto tabloid and magazine covers. With trendy clothes, rotating hair colors and styles and a glamorous wife, he's the epitome of the modern mix of celebrity and athlete. His soccer skills are only part of the equation. He's David Beckham Inc., a multinational corporation with links to Pepsi, Gillette, Motorola and Adidas. Beckham, who has failed to win any major titles in 3 1/2 seasons in Madrid, said the time was right for a change. "I've played now for two of the biggest clubs in the world and played at the highest level for 15 years, and now I think that I need another challenge," Beckham said. Beckham will become the biggest star to play soccer in the United States since Pele and Franz Beckenbauer played in the now-defunct North American Soccer League in the 1970s. MLS even changed its rules on salary caps, clearing the way for Beckham to sign the lucrative deal and become the first player to be signed under the new rule. "I'm going out there to hopefully build a club and team that's got a lot of potential," Beckham said. "I think that's what excites me." Los Angeles opens its season April 8 in Houston, but Beckham is not expected to join the team until August. His four-year contract with Madrid expires at the end of this season. "For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100 percent to my coach, teammates and fans as I believe (coach) Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve," Beckham said. Beckham has not found much success since he moved to Madrid in 2003 from Manchester United, where he had had won six league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League title. He has no major trophies with the nine-time European Cup champions. "I've enjoyed my time in Spain. It's been an incredible experience for me and my family," Beckham said. Beckham has started only seven of 25 matches for Real Madrid. Before the season started, Beckham led England to the quarterfinals of the World Cup, scoring from a free kick in the second round to beat Ecuador 1-0. He was hurt and watched as England later lost to Portugal. A day after the game, Beckham stepped down as captain of the team. Then, on Aug. 11, England coach Steve McClaren dropped Beckham from the team altogether, signaling the end of his international career. Beckham was injured when he traveled to Rome to visit Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes. Beckham was forced to skip the wedding and return to Madrid to sit on the bench another sign that his days in Madrid were numbered. AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report. Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Copyright © 2007 ABC News Internet Ventures Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madsencarl Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 what a gay name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HESHIANDET Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 i hope mls steadyt blows up. i still prefer the eagles though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X22 Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 MLS is the worst futbol league in the world.... he should have stuck with Real Madrid but then again MONEY talks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ENO ELPMIS Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 shit is retarded they paid a quarter of a billion, what the feezy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transparent Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 yea because his wife is phenomanal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GLIK$ Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 million dollars a week. the end Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest R@ndomH3ro Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 BALLLLLLIN Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
transparent Posted January 11, 2007 Share Posted January 11, 2007 get ready for non stop headlines from this clown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frate_Raper Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 faggot should have come to toronto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mauler5150 Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 A million a week! Good money if you can get it. Couldn't they attract someone who still has their skills with that kind of money?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frate_Raper Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 faggot should have come to toronto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jackson Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 He's good. But, if he plays in America, he will be KING. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blood Feast Island Man Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 what the fuck. beckham's not as good as he was, but christ, the american mickey mouse league? who'd a thunk it? real dough though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VAJ Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I remember when the Rangers paid $42 million to bring Alex Rodriguez to Texas thinking it would make a shitty team better. haha. dumb fucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blood Feast Island Man Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 also yes, galaxy is a very gay name. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theo Huxtable. Posted January 12, 2007 Author Share Posted January 12, 2007 Why did Beckham come here....dood American Soccer is like Little League come paired to the Euros Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metronome Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 A million a week! Good money if you can get it. Couldn't they attract someone who still has their skills with that kind of money?? they could give a fuck about that think of the cash beckham is going to bring with him you know why real madrid is such a rich team these days??? david beckham. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CALIgula Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 i want to bend it like beckham Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abracadabra Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 damn, that's like michael jordan joining a little league team. dudes gunna murder every last person in the mls Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
metronome Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 thing is though is that beckham really isn't a great player, he's a great ball striker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papa_dukes Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 so hes going to space huh? thats cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RumPuncher Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I've been watching the MLS very closely the past season because my city is getting a team next year, and I dont think that Beckham is going to just show up and dominate. Why? The MLS is filled with really hungry, fast players who have more of a 'street ball' style than most euro squads. Beckham will make an impact, but it will only bring up the league. and considering the MVP for the past two years is a thug from Scarbourough (ask frate raper) there no guarantee that beckham will be able to play like a protected star (ala gretsky) I just can't wait to start the classic chant 'POSH SPICE TAKES IT IN THE ARSE' beck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blood Feast Island Man Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 I've been watching the MLS very closely the past season because my city is getting a team next year, and I dont think that Beckham is going to just show up and dominate. Why? The MLS is filled with really hungry, fast players who have more of a 'street ball' style than most euro squads. Beckham will make an impact, but it will only bring up the league. first of all, who are you kidding? beckham will dominate this league, unless he gets injured. but you've got an interesting point with the "street football" thing. the amount that players dive/play for freekicks/use "professional" tackles in the premiership has become ridiculous. In the argentine league, you can't get away with that shit, and as a result games are faster paced and flow better. although MLS is always going to suffer from a lack of interest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reuben Kinkaid Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 The MLS isn't as bad as people make it out to be. It's at least worlds better than it was say, 5 years ago. Americans are the only people who think Beckham is the best player in the world, but he's nowhere near, never has been. He's a brand, Madrid bought him for his marketing power, so are LA. Regardless, it will benefit MLS, whether through attracting better players or at the very least generating lots of money. Business is business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RumPuncher Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 The best thing about the MLS is that they own the contracts with the players so they make sure that every team in the league stays competitive. LA Galaxy aren't about to become a 'Yankees' style team because of one player. Besides, it takes more than one player to dominate. Beckham probably wont even be captain, so the idea that he will win games by himself is pure bunk. and I will be yelling and screaming every time he takes a corner against my REDS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RumPuncher Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 oh.... for the fans..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tango 24 Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 the MLS isnt bad, the national team isnt too shoddy either but still this deal is fucking stupid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reuben Kinkaid Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 That's the pokiest looking stadium I've ever seen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blood Feast Island Man Posted January 12, 2007 Share Posted January 12, 2007 toronto has a team? please don't tell me there called some bullshit like toronto eagles/raptors/cougars/any type of animal how popular is football in canada? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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