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11 January 2006
MADRID — David Beckham will leave Real Madrid and join U.S. Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy at the end of the season.
The 31-year-old former England captain will sign a five-year deal.
Beckham told Reuters news agency on Thursday: “This week Real asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract for a further two seasons.
“After considering several options to stay in Madrid or join other major British and European teams, I have decided to join LA Galaxy.”
As Expatica reported on Wednesday, the Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic told an Italian television station Beckham’s contract would not be renewed.
He later denied the claim.
But football pundits said the writing was on the wall for Beckham, after a string of poor performances.
It means the end of a disappointing four years at the Spanish club.
His only contribution to the club has been to bring millions in marketing and to make Real Madrid a ‘world brand’.
The move to Hollywood was said to suit Victoria Beckham who enjoys the California sun and the couple were said to believe Los Angeles will be a good place to bring up their three children.
[Copyright Expatica]
Subject: Spanish news