Monday, November 21, 2011

It's a Hollywood ending for Beckham as he brings five-year career in LA to a glorious end by lifting MLS Cup

-'Whether I stay or not I've had an amazing five years'
-'I've loved it here... the fans have been unbelievable'


By Craig Mackenzie


Dream come true: David Beckham kisses the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy after leading LA Galaxy to victory in the MLS league cup final


David Beckham got his Hollywood happy ending last night with a scene-stealing performance to secure the MLS Cup for L.A Galaxy in his final game for the team.

It's also likely to be the former England captain's last match in America with a mooted move to Europe and many suspect the next stop will be Paris.

So it was all set up to be a perfect farewell, if Galaxy could defeat Houston Dynamo. But Goldenballs was never going to leave that to chance.


His perfect Hollywood ending: David Beckham said goodbye to football in America tonight in some style, and his boys got to enjoy it all

Team Beckham: Victoria watches Harper and Cruz as their father battles it out on the pitch below


With team-mate Robbie Keane, the 36-year-old set up Landon Donovan for the only goal in Sunday's final that won Beckham's first silverware in America since his arrival five years ago.

And he did it front of over 31,000 fanatical MLS fans at their Home Deport stadium in Carson.

He has been linked with a move to wealthy Paris St-Germain and said: 'Whether I stay or not, I've had an amazing five years.

'People were talking about if we didn't win it was going to be a disappointment and an unsuccessful five years. It's quietened a few people which is always nice.'


Little cutie: Victoria dotes on her daughter Harper while Cruz is captivated

Bottoms up: Becks enjoys a few drinks in the dressing room after the final whistle

He added: 'I've loved it here. The fans have been unbelievable - the owners, the players, every one of them are heroes. They've been incredible all season and this has capped it off.

'I've said that all along, it doesn't matter what happens at the end of the season.

'I need to sit back, relax and enjoy this moment. I might talk in the the past tense but that doesn't mean I am not coming back.'

Beckham, who played the full game despite suffering a hamstring problem in training last week, joined Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007.

Galaxy supporters sang, 'We want Beckham' after seeing their team win a first title since 2005.

Team Beckham were present en masse, with Victoria, 37 , leading the cheers with their children Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, nine , Cruz, six , and baby Harper, who is just four months old.

Victoria looked stressed as she watched the match intently, obviously urging her beloved on to achieve the perfect note with which to sign off.

It's the first memory like this for Romeo and Cruz, certainly, and Brooklyn was just seven years old when the family moved across the Atlantic.

The couple, who will return to their Hertfordshire home for Christmas, are due to announce the decision before Beckham’s five-year deal with LA Galaxy ends on December 31.

He will take part in the club's tour of Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia, which starts next week.

‘David is all geared up for the cup final but after that he and Victoria will make the decision over whether or not to accept the Paris deal,’ a source close to the football star says.


Team spirit! David and his boys celebrate in style after their big win

Fairytale: David doesn't look like he can quite believe the ending he's got


‘Once the last match is out of the way, talks will ensue with his management and I suspect they will move very quickly.’

The former Manchester United man moved to LA from Real following his resignation as England captain after the 2006 World Cup. He signed a deal worth almost £6million a year.

Beckham has made 26 appearances for Galaxy this season, a campaign that has seen a seven per cent increase in attendances across the MLS.

With Beckham in the side, Galaxy reached the final of the MLS play-offs in 2009, the semi-finals in 2010 and met Houston Dynamo in this year's final.

League games will be broadcast on the high-profile NBC Sports television network for the first time next season, while Galaxy have just secured a $55million deal with Time Warner Cable Sports.

The chief of Major League Soccer, Don Garber admitted that at times he regretted the hype of Beckham's arrival, but not the excitement he generated


Look grandad! Romeo appeared animated as he sat with Victoria's parents who also turned out to support David at the game


Little tyke: David's father Ted acts playful with his grandson Cruz


Everyone's a winner! Claudine Keane watches husband Robbie Keane win with Galaxy

Thanks for the support: David went to great lengths to thank the fans


He said:'He's been great for our league and for our game. I find it amusing that when David came in many sports media pundits were saying how much he's over the hill, you don't hear that any more, and this is five years later.

'I underestimated the power of his celebrity by a long shot. I totally underestimated how hardworking and tough he is. He will play through injury and fatigue.

'That warrior-like mentality was like nobody expected in MLS.'


He is the champion: Iconic scenes as Beckham holds aloft the cup



source:dailymail
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