USA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: David Beckham talks about his time at the L.A. Galaxy but dodges questions about his future with the MLS.

Record ID: 189979

  • Title: USA: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: David Beckham talks about his time at the L.A. Galaxy but dodges questions about his future with the MLS.
  • Date: 5th November 2011
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 3, 2011) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (English) DAVID BECKHAM ON RUMOR HE MIGHT MOVE TO FRANCE TO PLAY SOCCER, SAYING: "(Reporter: What do you say to French fans waiting for you in Paris?) Right now, I'm a Galaxy player. That's all I can say. I'm enjoying myself." DAVID BECKHAM TALKING TO GROUP OF REPORTERS IN LOCKER ROOM
  • Embargoed: 20th November 2011 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: People,Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVACGZBBE85EPMZAFLCTPDQJFOM1
  • Story Text: Rumors are swirling about where David Beckham may land at the conclusion of his contract with the L.A. Galaxy. Sunday (November 4, 2011) marks the official end of his nearly 5-year stint with the MLS team. But Beckham will not confirm or deny any plans to leave Southern California just yet, insisting he is focused on what may be the final game of his career playing for an American soccer team.
    Thousands of energized fans gathered packed the Home Depot Center arena on Thursday (November 3, 2011) night to watch Beckham and his teammates beat the New York Red Bulls 2-1. The win earned the team an aggregate victory of 3-1 thus far in the championship. The match marked the home leg of the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) Western Conference Semi-Final Series.
    Beckham played a tough, physical game and is credited with assisting in both of the goals. He got knocked to the ground at least three times by Bulls' players.
    There was a strong show of support for Beckham as usual among the fans crowding the stadium.
    Several shared their thoughts about how he has elevated the game of soccer in the United States.
    "I hope his impact gets people more involved in soccer, especially MLS," said Greg De La Pena. "I think it was a good thing, you know. There was a lot of hype around it. A lot of fanfare. But I think as I talk to more people about it, they are getting more interested into it. It just needs to build up, more grass roots. So hopefully we can build off of that. Now we have Robbie Keane for a while. So hopefully that makes it more exciting and fun."
    "Since Dave's been here, I definitely could see the league just transform overnight," smiled Ryan Montano. "And, I mean, I'm thankful for him being here. It's a privilege to watch him."
    "He has done incredible things for the Galaxy and for soccer in America," explained Eric Monroe. "He's brought a real focus to the game. And, you know whether you like him or not, whether you're a big Beckham fan or not. He's brought world attention to the United States. And, it's been wonderful to be able to see him focus his efforts this year without playing international and being distracted by loans. He has really shown what he is capable of doing at the age of 36."
    It seems Beckham will indeed leave a lasting legacy should he depart the team in coming weeks.
    But in the locker room speaking to a post-game throng of reporters, the popular, high-profile athlete spoke mostly about the challenge at hand: Winning the next game.
    "I think whenever we go out of the play-offs it's disappointing. It doesn't matter who against. And we know Sunday it's a tough game. Salt Lake are a good organized team. And they've got good players. And they're a dangerous team. So, you know, we have to be aware of that you know we've performed well all season. We just have to finish it off:"
    Beckham said he is not pondering his next move just yet, and took a moment to reflected on the time he has spent with the L.A. Galaxy to date. He had kind words for the team.
    "I haven't even thought about what's after this, because right now I'm concentrating on the moment and us progressing and getting a championship. You know, my time here has been great. I've loved it. I've had a lot of highs. You know, playing for this organization, playing for this team. This year has definitely been my most enjoyable. It's a pleasure to play with every one of these guys on this team. And it's great playing under Bruce and Dave and Kurt. They're great people. And they've made it a successful year so far. Hopefully we can win something for them."
    When asked directly about the possibility of making a move to France to play soccer in the near future, Beckham gracefully sidestepped the question.
    "What do you say to French fans waiting for you in Paris?" queried one French journalist.
    Beckham smiled and said little.
    "Right now, I'm a Galaxy player. That's all I can say. I'm enjoying myself."
    There is also another reason Beckham may head back to Europe next year: Many say he is pursuing a chance to play on the British national team for the 2012 Summer Olympics to be held in London.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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