[MLS SPOTLIGHT: Los Angeles Galaxy] David Beckham announced Monday that MLS Cup 2012 will be his final competitive game
with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Originally signed to a five-year deal in January 2007, Beckham re-signed for two seasons after helping the Galaxy win MLS Cup 2011.
The Galaxy will again host
the Houston Dynamo in MLS Cup 2012 at the Home Depot Center.
"I've had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the
end of my playing career," Beckham said. "I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future."
What that
challenge will be -- where and for how long -- was immediately the subject of speculation.
Rap star Snoop Dogg, a Beckham confidant, has talked
about buying a stake in Scottish champion Celtic and bringing the Englishman with him to Glasgow, but that is an unlikely choice for Beckham to finish out his career.
There has been lots
of talk of move to Australia, where the A-League is looking for a boost, however brief, Beckham would give. A 10-game deal with Melbourne Heart has been mentioned.
A move to China, where
he is popular, would be a quick money-maker for Beckham, though it isn't like he needs the money.
The sentimental choice would be a move back to England in January to finish his
career.
The two things that are clear that any move would be short-term and it will likely not involve moving his family.
Beckham is 37 and nearing the end of his career. He
has been in and out of the Galaxy lineup with injuries this season, though he has started every playoff game. (Indeed, he has started all 18 Galaxy playoff games during his six years in MLS, but
started only 91 of its 176 regular-season games.)
Beckham's desire not to uproot his children from their Los Angeles area schools were given as a reason for turning down a lucrative bid
from Paris St. Germain last winter.
There is no reason to believe he has changed his mind about moving his family, which is why any move to a new club will be probably be temporary.
Bob Escobar
