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Beckham To Launch New MLS Franchise In Miami

Andrew Seah |
February 5, 2014 | 7:47 p.m. PST

Executive Producer

David Beckham will own an MLS franchise in Miami (Creative Commons)
David Beckham will own an MLS franchise in Miami (Creative Commons)
The name David Beckham means many things to many people: soccer star, fashion model, sex symbol, and global icon. 

Now, he can strike football club owner off the list. The former Manchester United youth product confirmed that he intends to set up an MLS franchise in Miami at a press conference at the Perez Art Museum on Wednesday.  

Beckham’s first and only stint in the MLS began in 2007 when he left Real Madrid for LA Galaxy. He spent five years with the MLS outfit, including two short loans with AC Milan during that period, before finishing his career with Paris Saint-Germain.  The ex-England captain will become the first former soccer professional to take charge of one of the league’s teams. 

When asked about his goal for the club, the 38-year-old offered a bold and promising vision. He said, “It (the club) is what this country aspires to be, it wants to be the best at everything.

“We are making a soccer club that is going to be loved by millions of people. We plan on this being a global team.” 

SEE ALSO: Craft It Like Beckham: The Art Of Going Out On Top

At the press conference, Beckham’s words were met with raucous cheers from legions of fans, but the London-born megastar will need more than just lofty promises to satisfy his skeptics. He did, however, hint that several of his peers – active footballers, not retired models – are keen on joining his new venture. 

“The fortunate thing about my career is players are already interested in coming to Miami,” said Beckham, “I’m getting messages saying, ‘When’s it happening? When can we get there?’ I know this city is ready for football [soccer].”

Apart from enticing top quality players, the six-time Premier League champion has also been proactive in recruiting local superstars off the field. The Guardian published an article in November last year detailing his efforts to get LeBron James on board. 

Beckham’s first order of business will be to find a location for his team’s new stadium. According to a report by The Guardian, the Englishman and his team have identified “five possible sites in and around downtown Miami” with a waterfront location emerging as a particularly enticing option. 

SEE ALSO: Assessing Beckham's Impact On MLS 

Beckham has had his fair share of critics over the years, but his influence and star power, till this day, remains undeniable. 

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, “As a player and ambassador for MLS he's had an amazing impact on our league. He helped motivate champions like Thierry Henry come to the MLS.

“He’s incredibly focused and incredibly smart. Very few people have that focus that enables him to translate what made him a great athlete into what will make him a great owner.”

The stage is set, now it is up to Mr. Beckham to deliver. 

 

 

Reach Executive Producer Andrew Seah here



 

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