Galaxy owners hail Beckham arrival
There will be no return to Old Trafford for the Manchester United legend
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Thursday, 11, Jan 2007 11:16
A leading figure in the company that owns American soccer team Los Angeles Galaxy has heralded the signing of David Beckham as a turning point for the sport in the country.
President of Anschutz Entertainment Group Timothy J Lieweke believes that the midfielder is the figurehead needed for Major League Soccer to compete with more traditional US pastimes.
"David Beckham will have a greater impact on soccer in America than any athlete has ever had on a sport globally," he told Sky Sports.
"We are acquiring an individual that will not only be the best ambassador and the best role model for athletes and fans of soccer but the best example of what any athlete can and should be.
"David is truly the only individual that can build the 'bridge' between soccer in America and the rest of the world."
The impact that many observers feel Beckham can have on the sport in the USA is reflected in his salary.
MLS franchises are normally allowed to pay an individual player a maximum of $2 million a year, but a recent change in those rules allowed each side to have one squad member whose pay packet exceeded those limits.
With the former Manchester United star signing a five-year deal worth a reported $250 million, Beckham will be receiving around fifty times more than the rest of new team-mates.
"David Beckham is a global sports icon who will transcend the sport of soccer in America," added the league's commissioner Don Garber.