Becks agrees Galaxy stay

Former England captain remains 'passionate' about LA

Former England captain David Beckham has re-signed for LA Galaxy on a two-year contract.

Sky Sports sources on Wednesday evening revealed the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star was set to agree a new deal with the MLS Cup winners after his previous terms expired in December.

And Beckham, who earlier in January snubbed a move to the wealthy and ambitious Paris Saint Germain, has now signed a contract which will keep him in America until 2014.

The 36-year-old said in a statement: "This was an important decision for me. 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."

Beckham had in the past been linked with Tottenham and manager Harry Redknapp had invited the midfielder to train at the Premier League club.

Surprise

But he is thought to want to be at a club where he will be guaranteed first-team football ahead of potential participation in the 2012 Olympics.

Beckham initially made the surprise move to the Galaxy in 2007, when he signed a five-year deal after playing for Real, and he targeted improving the image of football in the USA.

The veteran still remains motivated towards those ambitions, as he said: "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.

"My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here."

Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena is delighted Beckham has decided to stay and hopes the club can go on to further success.

Success

He said: "I am thrilled that David has chosen to rejoin the Galaxy, especially as he had numerous options where he could continue his career.

"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.

"We look forward to trying to replicate that success this season with David once again in a Galaxy uniform."

Tim Leiweke, president of team owner AEG, is also pleased Beckham resisted the potential lure of the likes of PSG.

"There has been much speculation in the past four months on where David was going to play and we did not get caught up in this and remained focused on re-signing him," said Leiweke.

"David had many options and we are pleased he felt comfortable, not only with our organisation but also with Los Angeles, and will remain an important part of our club, our AEG family and our City."




Last Updated: January 19, 2012 6:52am
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