LOS ANGELES, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- England midfielder
David Beckham will join the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer (MLX), it
was announced Thursday.
In what will be the biggest deal in sporting history,
the 31-year-old Beckham will join the Galaxy after his contract with Real Madrid
expires on June 30, according to Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), which owns
the Galaxy.
AEG said Beckham has agreed to a five-year deal to
play for the Galaxy, which opens its season April 8 in Houston.
The agreement was negotiated by representatives of
Beckham's international personal management agency 19 Entertainment and CAA
Sports.
The deal to bring Beckham to America is thought to be
the biggest in sporting history, with industry experts estimating the worth to
the player in excess of 250 million dollars, AEG said in a statement.
"This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision
regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two
seasons," Beckham said.
"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 and play in the MLS from
August this year."
Beckham was captain of the English soccer team and a
draw for two popular soccer clubs, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
"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 said.
Promoters hope Beckham's move to Los Angeles will
make the sport more popular in America.
"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 and CEO of AEG.
"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."
Beckham has reportedly been unhappy playing for the
Madrid team. While recovering from an injury in November, the team let him
travel to Rome to visit Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, but would not allow him to
attend the wedding and made him return to Madrid even though he could not play.
Beckham is said to make about 32 million dollars a
year in salary and endorsements.
Related:
Beckham still talking to Madrid over new
contract
MADRID, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- David Beckham is still in
negotiations with Real Madrid about a new contract and reports to the contrary
follow misinterpreted comments by Real's sporting director, the club and the
player's spokesman said on Wednesday. Full story
More Related Stories >>>
