The real reason Beckham's off to the U.S.
Posted by Martin in Arsene Wenger, David Beckham | 12 January 2007
We've heard that he's not off to the Los Angeles Galaxy just because of the money. Though I'd have to say, if I was offered half a million a week to kick a ball around, that would be enough for me!
We've heard that he wants to get the youngsters into the game, particularly via the academy's like the one he's opening in Carson California. But it's still very much a game for the middle classes, where you have to travel long distances, stay overnight etc. even at the Sunday league level. So how much of an impact can he really make? Perhaps if he donated the earnings from his 5 year contract it would make difference!
We've heard that he wants to raise the profile of football in the United States. But what makes Beckham believe that he can actually change the way Americans view the game above baseball, basketball and American football? O.k so he has a name, though having listened to a number of Americans being interviewed over the past few days, many have never even heard of him!
I agree with Wenger, he alone can not do it. The fact that he's made the decision to go, may encourage others to do so. But with the likes of Bobby Moore, George Best, Pele, Beckenbauer having already dipped their toes into soccer, it's going to take a much larger influx to really make a noticeable difference. Even with Beckhams iconic status (not sure about it in the states) I just can't see it happening.
So why is he really going?
Well as we have seen recently, especially at the World Cup, he lacks the speed and desire that he once had. Yes he has skill, especially from those dead ball situations, but he's not going to get back into the England squad and whilst a number of premiership clubs might want him, has he got what it takes? So maybe the U.S is the place for him to go, retire gracefully and still earn a packet and walk around with some degree of privacy.
But, actually I think it's more about Victoria's desire to hob nob with her new found friends in L.A. Perhaps David had no choice but to do as he was told! What do you think?
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