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LA Galaxy
L.A. Galaxy and U.S. Soccer
Main article: David Beckham move to Los Angeles Galaxy
It was confirmed on 11 January 2007 that David Beckham would be leaving Real
Madrid to join MLS team Los Angeles Galaxy on a 5 year deal that will see
Beckham earn up to $10 million a year in direct salary, but with endorsements
and profit-sharing, Beckham could earn up to $50 million a year and earning
about 90 dollars every second on the field. Beckham said, "After considering
several options to stay in Madrid or join other major British and European
teams, I have decided to join LA Galaxy."
Beckham had departed Manchester United in July 2003 to sign for Real, who paid
￡25m for the midfielder's services. However, in the three-and-a-half seasons
since his arrival, the Spanish giants have failed to win any major trophies. The
2006-07 season proved particularly disappointing for Beckham, who was dropped by
England coach Steve McClaren and then fell out of favour with Real boss, Fabio
Capello, who has allowed Beckham only seven starts in over 25 matches this
season. As of January 2007, his form had been disappointing, with just 12 league
goals scored in his entire time at Real Madrid.
On 12 January 2007, Beckham's official press conference was held, via satellite
from Madrid, in conjunction with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft in Indianapolis, IN.
All MLS announcements concerning Beckham's signing and his press conference (as
well as the Super Draft) were a part of the NSCAA National Soccer Coaches
Association of America annual convention. At the press conference, Beckham told
reporters "I'm coming there not be a superstar. I'm coming there to be part of
the team, to work hard and to hopefully win things. With me, it's about
football. I'm coming there to make a difference. I'm coming there to play
football...I'm not saying me coming over to the States is going to make soccer
the biggest sport in America. That would be difficult to achieve. Baseball,
basketball, American football, they've been around. But I wouldn't be doing this
if I didn't think I could make a difference."
On 13 January 2007, Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello stated during a news
conference that Beckham would never again play for the team, saying that he
could practice, but would not be permitted to put in any minutes in actual
matches for the remainder of his time under contract.
On 14 January 2007, when a new "SuperLiga" was announced for a new North
American championship, it was reported that Beckham could make his Galaxy debut
during that tournament.
On 15 January 2007, published reports quoted Major League Soccer spokesman
Stephen Rodriguez as saying that MLS would now try to get Beckham over to the LA
Galaxy in time for the start of the MLS season in April. Such a move would
require a buy-out of his remaining Real Madrid contract, which would amount to a
transfer fee. Late that same day, MLS Commissioner Don Garber denied that his
league was attempting to secure an early MLS debut for Beckham.
On 17 January 2007, the U.S. publication Sports Illustrated released a detailed
report on the blockbuster contract and the economics behind it.
On 21 January 2007, American Rapper THE GAME has threatened to "kick DAVID
BECKHAM's ass", following the superstar's announcement he will be transferring
to an American soccer team.
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