David Beckham announced Thursday that he will join MLS’s Los Angeles Galaxy in August, signing a five-year deal with the club.
The former England international will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season.
”This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons,” Beckham, 31, said in a statement. ”After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.”
Beckham is in his fourth season at Real Madrid, which has not won a major title since the English star arrived in 2003 from Manchester United.
Beckham won six English Premier League titles and the European Champions League with Manchester United. He played for England at the last three World Cups.
“David Beckham is a global sports icon who will transcend the sport of soccer in America,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “His decision to continue his storied career in Major League Soccer is testament to the fact that America is rapidly becoming a true ‘Soccer Nation’ with Major League Soccer at the core.
“In the last few years, MLS has added three new teams, six new owners, four new soccer specific stadiums and signed four long term television agreements. The addition of David Beckham represents another significant step forward for the MLS and the sport.”