David Beckham’s arrival would be a marketing coup for the A-League
From Agatha Ruiz Dela Prada Uk Sale Leytonstone to Manchester via Preston, Madrid to Los Angeles via Milan, David Beckham’s peripatetic path has been intently followed since his United debut in 1992. The 37-year-old announced on Monday night that his last game for LA Galaxy will be the MLS Cup final against Houston Dynamo on 1 December, drawing the curtain Authentic Prada Bags Online Singapore on a spell in America that began when he left Real Madrid in 2007 and signed a five-year contract worth $250m (£128m).
«I’ve had an incredibly special time playing for the LA Galaxy, however, I wanted to experience one last challenge Authentic Prada Leather Handbag before the end of my playing career,» he said in a statement. «In my time here I have seen the popularity of the game grow every year. I’ve been fortunate to win trophies, but more important Authentic Prada Canvas Bag to me has been the fantastic reception I’ve had from fans in Authentic Prada Handbags Online Australia LA and across the States.»
What the former England captain decides to do next is now the inevitable subject of frenzied conjecture. The Australian A-League side Perth Glory swiftly announced that «the race is on» to capture his coveted signature immediately after Monday’s Agatha Ruiz Dela Prada Shoes Uk development replica prada mens bags, but a claim from the Football Federation of Australia last week that it had been approached by Beckham’s management regarding a short-term move was quickly denied: «There are no plans to play in Australia,» said a Beckham spokesman.
Despite that Authentic Prada Messenger Bag For Sale statement, five Australian clubs are understood to be closely monitoring his availability. Along with Perth, Melbourne Heart, Adelaide United, Western Sydney Wanderers and Central Coast Mariners are reportedly pursuing the midfielder, while Celtic and Carlo Ancelotti’s Paris St-Germain or a move to China could be alternative options.
However, the «one last challenge» that Beckham is seeking may not be in a playing capacity. Following his ambassadorial roles with the Football Association, during England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup, and at the London Olympics, there is a growing consensus that he could take a more entrepreneurial role within the game.
After announcing the denouement of his MLS career, he said: «I don’t see this as the end Authentic Prada Leather Handbag of my relationship with the league as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future. Soccer’s potential has no limits in this wonderful country, and I want to always be part of growing it.»
Beckham is understood to have received a number of offers to own a club in the United States and is considering the possibility of purchasing an MLS franchise. «I have the right to own an MLS franchise, which I will action immediately after I have stopped playing,» he is quoted as saying in 2009.
This could potentially mean establishing a brand new club in a city that does not currently host a team in the MLS. Considering the location of Beckham’s base in LA, the most likely options could be Las Vegas and San Diego.
Acquiring a new franchise would require Beckham to convince the MLS that the revenue of a new team in a new city would be beneficial to the league. With personal wealth not a problem, the next steps would be for his management to liaise with city officials and stadium authorities in the location of choice.
Beckham could also be convinced to take up another ambassadorial post, this time with the Qatar Football Association in the buildup to the World Cup in 2022, with the Gulf state controversially awarded the tournament in 2010.
A move to Australia, though, could prove one final swansong before he decides to end his playing career. There is understandable clamour from within the A-League, which only held its inaugural season in 2005-06, to complete what would be a significant marketing coup. Securing the Beckham brand guarantees a huge boost in revenue for any side and league, no matter if his ability on the pitch has waned in recent years.
Beckham’s time in America has been of great benefit to the MLS. The value of the franchises, TV deals and attendances have all significantly increased during his five years at the Galaxy.
The A-League, meanwhile, is beginning to develop into a more recognised division. It recently announced a new TV deal worth A$160m (£100m) that will cover four years from July 2013. «The former sleeping giant of Australian sport is awake. He’s out of bed, he’s in the street and now has some cash in his pockets,» said the FFA chief executive, David Gallop.
Australian sides are allowed one Authentic Prada Handbags Outlet Online «international marquee» player whose wage is exempt from a squad’s salary cap of A$2.48m (£1.6m). Alessandro Del Piero joined Sydney FC in September while Emile Heskey agreed a move to Newcastle Jets, where he has been in prolific goalscoring form.
Heskey says the arrival of Beckham Apertura Outlet Prada Montevarchi would be «massive» for the A-League – it will be massive news wherever he goes.
