FILE: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: DAVID BECKHAM Beckham to quit L.A. Galaxy after MLS Cup final

Record ID: 190014

  • Title: FILE: FOOTBALL/SOCCER: DAVID BECKHAM Beckham to quit L.A. Galaxy after MLS Cup final
  • Date: 20th November 2012
  • Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF DAVID BECKHAM PRACTICING WITH LA GALAXY VARIOUS OF BECKHAM SPEAKING TO MEDIA LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (FILE) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BECKHAM AT GALAXY UNIFORM UNVEILING
  • Embargoed: 5th December 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Canada
  • Country: Canada
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVA3M9ATYW77HY1SAMJPD4C6JDU7
  • Story Text: David Beckham to play his final game for the LA Galaxy in MLS Cup 2012.


    Former England captain David Beckham will leave L.A. Galaxy after next month's Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final but said he intended to continue with his playing career.
    The 37-year-old midfielder, who has been linked with a move to Australia's A-League, said in a statement: "I've had an incredibly special time playing for the L.A. Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career.
    "I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league (MLS) as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future."
    Beckham has spent six seasons with the Galaxy and in January signed a new two-year contract after winning the MLS title with the club.
    The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player will play his final game on Dec. 1 in the MLS Cup final against Houston Dynamo at Galaxy's Home Depot Center.
    Beckham won 115 caps for England, six league titles with Manchester United in the Premier League and then enjoyed league success with Real in Spain.
    The London-born midfielder was the first 'Designated Player' in MLS - a title covering the 'Beckham Rule' which allowed clubs to sign certain players outside of the league's strict salary cap rules.
    Beckham had an option in his initial deal with the league that allowed him to take a future ownership role in a franchise.
    The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) said last week they had been contacted by Beckham's representatives about a move to the A-league.
    Beckham's management company immediately responded with a statement saying he had no plans to play in Australia.
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