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.
January 13, 2007 (Press Release) --
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 31/2 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.
Source: http://www.msn.com
POSTED BY BETH HARRIS
''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 31/2 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.
Source: http://www.msn.com
POSTED BY BETH HARRIS
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