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Fresh 2-year deal keeps ‘Becks’ with Galaxy

Comment: 0 January 19th, 2012

IT’S over as far as speculations where David Beckham is headed to.

He’s not going to England or France. He will still be in Los Angeles.

The veteran playmaker is staying put at LA Galaxy after signing a fresh two-year contract on Wednesday.

When the Galaxy won the 2011 Major League Soccer crown, Beckham was said to be contemplating on a move to Paris St. Germain and a number of English outfits.

But talks with PSG ended earlier this month when the former England captain and midfielder for Manchester United and Real Madrid cited family reasons why he can’t join the big-spending Ligue 1 club.

“My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here,” the midfielder revealed.

The 36-year-old Beckham said rejoining the Galaxy was an important decision for him considering there were many other offers for him from clubs around the world.

“I’m still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy,” he said.  “I’ve seen first-hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I’m as committed as ever to growing the game here.”

After leaving Real Madrid in 2007, Beckham joined the Galaxy for a league record $6 million (£3.9 million) per year contract as the MLS believed the high-profile player could attract bigger crowds as well as more sponsors and media mileage.

But he was criticised for travelling back to Europe to play for England and AC Milan on a loan move which resulted in a serious injury.

In 2010, he suffered an Achilles tendon injury and affected his stint with Galaxy. Because of that, he was also dropped from England’s World Cup squad in South Africa.

However, he bounced back to silence his critics. He put to past his being sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup to become English football’s global ambassador and tasted success with Real Madrid.

Last year, his star shone bright again when he played a major role in the Galaxy’s winning the MLS Cup over Houston Dynamo 1-0.

Beckham’s return to LA delighted Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena no end.

“I am thrilled that David has chosen to re-join the Galaxy, especially as he had numerous options where he could continue his career,” he beamed.

Arena added they could not have achieved their success without Beckham whom he hailed as one of the best players in all of MLS last season.

Galaxy begin their pre-season campaign next week. Their first game of the 2012 MLS season is on March 10 at home to Real Salt Lake.

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