Beckham contract ends with glittering prize
442 Staff - Monday 21 November 2011, 11:12
David Beckham helped lead
the LA Galaxy to his first MLS title on Sunday but refused to be
drawn on his future with his contract soon to run out.
His performance in the 1-0 MLS Cup victory over the Houston
Dynamo finally validated the former England skipper's decision
to move to Los Angeles in 2007 and banished demons of previous
U.S. failures.
Beckham's five-year contract with the Galaxy finishes after
an upcoming Asian end-of-season tour but he has not ruled out
signing a new deal with the club despite interest from
big-spending French side Paris Saint-Germain and English teams.
"Whether I stay or not, I've had an amazing five years," he
told a news conference.
"I'm not in a rush to decide what happens."
Beckham was a big part of the win, helping set up Landon
Donovan for the goal despite battling a hamstring injury. He
showed the kind of commitment to his team that many pundits have
questioned over the years.
The midfielder was criticised by fans for making loan moves to
Italy's AC Milan during two off-seasons, as well as his previous
failure to deliver on the promise of championships.
However, such talk was muted as a grinning Beckham
celebrated the MLS crown in front of an adoring Galaxy crowd at
the Home Depot Center.
"This was a special year and I'm so happy to have been a
part of this," the former Manchester United and Real Madrid
player said.
"It's always nice to have doubters along the way, and it's
nice to prove them wrong."
Beckham, who came back from an Achilles tendon injury
suffered last season, was clearly labouring at the end of match
but mustered enough energy to push his side to glory.
"I've been around great athletes in different sports and
this guy is as good as they come," Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said
of the man brought in to boost MLS's profile.
"He's done it all in every country he's been in. What more
can you ask for?"