Former England captain David Beckham has shunned a
move back to Europe to sign a new two-year deal with American club LA
Galaxy.
The 36-year-old midfielder was offered the chance to join Paris St.
Germain in France and was linked with a return to England but chose
to stay on in Los Angeles, in part because his family are settled in
America.
"This was an important decision for me," Beckham said in a
statement on the LA Galaxy website.
"I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I'm
still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with
the Galaxy."
"I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and
I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here," he said.
"My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and
we look forward to spending many more years here."
LA Galaxy General Manager and head coach Bruce Arena said he was
"thrilled" that Beckham had decided to stay on.
"I felt that he was one of the best players in all of MLS last
season and we could not have achieved the success that we did without
him," Arena said.
"We look forward to trying to replicate that success this season
with David once again in a Galaxy uniform."
Simon Fuller, Beckham's business partner and manager said staying
in the U.S. was part of the long-term strategy they discussed when the
former Manchester United star left Real Madrid for LA in 2007.
"When David and I discussed making the move from Real Madrid to
the LA Galaxy back in 2007, our minds were firmly focused on the
massive opportunity of helping to grow soccer in the United States,"
he said.
"We have made great progress over the past five years in raising
the profile of soccer domestically and the MLS on a worldwide stage,
and we are encouraged by all the results."
"However, clearly this is an ongoing mission and this new deal
confirms our commitment to continuing our journey and making sure the
world's biggest sport, soccer, continues to grow in the world's most
passionate sports-loving nation, the USA."
