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| Soccer player David Beckham (C) presents his new jersey after a news conference in Paris January 31, 2013. Former England captain Beckham has joined Paris St Germain on a five-month contract, the French Ligue 1 club said on Thursday. Posing with Beckham are Nasser Al-Khelaifi (R), Paris St Germain's club owner and owner of Qatari TV channel Al Jazeera Sport, President of beIN Sport French TV channel, and at Paris St-Germain sports director Leonardo (L). ( Photo: Xinhua/Reuters) |
PARIS, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- France's top league soccer club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) officially announced the recruitment of British soccer star David Beckham for five months.
"I'm very happy today to welcome David Beckham in Paris Saint Germain. He refused many offers from all over the world to join us until June 15th," Nasser al Arifi, the French club's president said.
"I'm sure that he will add a big value to the club and help to reach PSG's great project of being among the best European clubs," he told reporters.
For his part, the 37-year-old former England captain said "very honored to be part of this project" and targeted to "help the club to progress."
"This is an exciting city and it is a club that will have great success in the 10, 15 and 20 years. Be part of something that is growing up, it's exciting," the veteran midfielder said.
"I'm always in shape and I feel good, like as I was 21 years," he added.
In 2012, reports said Beckham was close to sign an 18-month accord with PSG for 800,000 euros (about one million U.S. dollars) per month, twice the highest wage in French top championship.
After reaching a final deal after a long period of speculation, Beckham revealed that his five-month payment will be donated to charity for children.
"I will not receive a salary for five months. It is a donation to be offered to charity for children with whom the PSG works. I am proud to do that. I like to help children who are in difficulty and PSG also. We ended up on this joint project that has not yet done elsewhere," said former Manchester United and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder.
Asked if Paris would be the final stage of his career, Beckham stressed wanting to "continue playing as long as possible."
After Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, Beckham was the third famous face recruited by PSG whose new Qatari managers are investing billions of petrodollars to improve the club standing and win European titles.
With 45 goals scoring so far, PSG topped the standings of the French top championship.
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