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Beckham fears he has made a huge mistake with Galaxy deal
Last updated at 14:07pm on 03.06.07David Beckham is having second thoughts about ending his playing career in the footballing backwater of the United States.
The former England captain, 32, signed a five-year contract worth £125 million with LA Galaxy in January after being sidelined by Real Madrid as well as Steve McClaren's England.
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But while Beckham insists that his US move will not harm his chances of continuing his international comeback, his return and the reception he received from the 90,000-strong crowd at the new Wembley Stadium on Friday night have made him reconsider his desire to continue playing club football at a high level.
"I hope playing in America for LA Galaxy will not have any adverse effect on my chances of playing for England," said Beckham, who was given a hero's welcome and a standing ovation when substituted in the 1-1 draw with Brazil.
After being jettisoned by McClaren as the new coach sought to distance himself from the reign of predeccessor Sven Goran Eriksson, Beckham is determined to retain his England place and reach 100 caps, saying: "I'll fly the world to play for my country."
He will win his 96th cap in the European Championship qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn on Wednesday — a game England must win to re-establish their chances of reaching the Euro 2008 — before returning to Spain to try to clinch his first league title with Real.
But after the success of his comeback, when he laid on England's goal by John Terry, he believes he may have made a mistake in switching to the low standard played in America, particularly if he is to make a swansong appearance at Euro 2008.
Beckham added: I don't want to be here just for the Estonia game. I hope I'm here for the duration.'
With Beckham steadfastly rejecting speculation that he could return to the Premiership on loan when Galaxy's MLS season ends in November — There is no chance of that happening,' he said — his options are narrowing.
The most likely scenario, should he decide to seek an expensive way out of his MLS contract,would see Beckham playing on in Europe, possibly with AC Milan, who courted him before he eventually opted for the United States.
Reader views (5)
The Beckhams are slowly coming to the realisation that they aren't going to be a major draw in America.
- Ben D., Madison, WI, USA
Bunch of eurosnobbery here. He signed for LA, bought a huge mansion in beverly hills and is friends with Tom Cruise. He isnt going anywhere except LA. MLS might not be a very big league, but I'd rather take the equivalent amount of money he is making now to play in the nice weather of southern california than play in england again.
[edited by: admin on 06 june 2007 at 9.23]
- lawl, LA, USA
Newsflash, Becks. "Soccer" is hated in USA. You'll be getting pelted by Mexican immigrants when you play derby matches against Chivas USA. You'll be a novelty in your first year but seasons 2 thru 5 will be death. Let LA Galaxy save some face with a big transfer fee this January.
- Cesar Chavez, Los Angeles, CA
Hows the old saying go:-
"You make your bed, you lay in it", goodbye David
- Col, Thorpe, Surrey, UK
im a big becks fan and an even bigger real madrid fan.. i seriously hope he take "an expensive way out" of that contract.. even if he does and signs for a team other than madrid, i would be happy.. as long as he isn't anywhere near the dump that is the MLS.
- Snookie, kw
