Beckham departs for LA
Beckham mania has hit the US already
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Thursday, 12, Jul 2007 02:50
David Beckham has arrived at Heathrow this afternoon in order to catch a flight to Los Angeles, where he will be unveiled as a Major League Soccer player tomorrow.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder will be paraded in front of the world's press tomorrow when he signs his five-year, £125 million contract with LA Galaxy.
Beckham arrived at the west London airport with his wife Victoria and his three children, Romeo, Brooklyn and Cruz, amid a media circus.
Photographers and journalists followed the 32-year-old to the gate, where Beckham prepared to board a plane for the 12-hour flight to the West Coast.
A press conference will take place at the Galaxy's Home Depot Center stadium at 10:00 Pacific standard time (18:00 BST) where Beckham will officially agree his contract and field questions.
The England international's move to LA was decided during the January transfer window after Real Madrid told him they did not intend to offer him a new contract.
Before agreeing the deal to join the Galaxy, Beckham had spoken of his desire to move to the United States at some point later in his career.
His decision to make the switch to the MLS this summer came earlier than many had predicted but he has since stressed the importance of heading to the US before his career is on a downward spiral.
Given his current status as a full international for one of the world's best-known national teams – and the holder of Premiership, Spanish Primera Liga and Champions League winners' medals – his stock is sure to attract new fans to the game in North America.