David Beckham Proud of Major League Soccer's Progression in United States

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star said he has a "few exciting opportunities on the table"

He doesn't plan to sell his Los Angeles home, but that's about all David Beckham could say with certainty Tuesday about his future beyond the Dec. 1 MLS Cup — his final game with the LA Galaxy.

Beckham spoke to reporters one day after announcing the Cup final will be his last game with the Galaxy.

"I haven't decided yet," Beckham, whose daughter with wife Victoria was born in Los Angeles, said of his future. "I have a few exciting opportunities on the table. Right now my focus is on the final.

"Whatever happens, LA will be regarded as our home because we've been treated so unbelievably well by people."

Beckham announced his departure after six seasons with the Galaxy. He joined the MLS club in January 2007 after winning league titles with two of the world's most high-profile clubs — Manchester United in the English Premiership and Real Madrid, of Spain's La Liga.

His arrival in LA coincided with a period of expansion for the league, which has added seven teams since 2007. League officials credit the veteran of three World Cups with raising the league's international profile among soccer fans.

"When David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, he set out to help grow MLS and the sport of soccer in North America," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "There is no doubt that MLS is far more popular and important here and abroad than it was when he arrived.  David has achieved great things on and off the field during his time with the Galaxy, and he will always be an important part of our history.  We look forward to his continued involvement with the LA Galaxy and the League."

The Galaxy won the 2011 MLS Cup behind strong play from Beckham, who was finally healthy after suffering a series of injuries early in his MLS career. He scored 18 goals, including five game-winners, during his time with the Galaxy, but it was his ability to influence the game from mid-field and deliver the ball to teammates in space that made Beckham, 37, a threat late in his career.

He became the first MLS player to tally an assist in five consecutive postseason games en route to the Galaxy's 2011 MLS Cup win over Houston. He has 40 regular season assists with the Galaxy.

Asked if fulfilled expectations, both on the field and with regard to the state of soccer in the United States, Beckham pointed to the Galaxy's three MLS Cup appearances and the expansion of the league.

"At the end of the day, it's up to the critics and people to decide my impact on the game here in the States," Beckham said. "I personally believe that it has been a successful one.

"I've seen the progression of this game first-hand -- stadiums being built solely for the games, soccer franchises coming into the league, talk of the MLS in most countries now.  For me, that's a very proud moment."

The Galaxy play Houston Dec. 1 in the MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center in Carson. The Galaxy defeated the Dynamo, 1-0, in the 2011 MLS Cup.

Beckham's flick header to Robbie Keane started a Galaxy rush that led to the Galaxy's lone goal, scored by Landon Donovan, in the 2011 Cup.


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