by Simon Wright

Created on: February 09, 2009   Last Updated: March 01, 2009

David Beckham has probably been the international face of football (soccer) from the past decade which is why it was such a coup for the MLS and US soccer when LA Galaxy secured his signature. That was back in January 2007 and a lot has happened since then. For starters, contrary to the expectations of many, Beckham has managed to force his way back into England's international squad and has gone on to achieve the personal milestone of 100 caps. He recently won his 107th cap, making him England's third most capped player of all time. One more cap will see him equal 1966 World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore and would leave him only behind Peter Shilton's impressive record of 125. I mention these statistics as milestones and records are important to Beckham. He wants to be remembered as one of the true greats of the game and the decisions that he has made in his football career have always been influenced by what will be best for the Beckham brand and for his legacy.

Beckham's decision to join the MLS bandwagon, I believe, was influenced by a few of factors. Firstly, he had been dropped from the England squad by new manager Steve McLaren and it looked as if that spelt the end of his international career. Secondly, his career with Spanish giants, Real Madrid, had come to an end and there was an absence of offers from big European teams. Also, when the offer came in from the MLS, I believe that it appealed on a few fronts. He would be following in the footsteps of some of the game's greatest ever players such as Pele and George Best, who in the 1970s entertained US soccer fans. It would also be an opportunity to live in Hollywood and rub shoulders with movie stars and rock stars. If he was going to play out the remainder of his career, then why not do it somewhere that had nice weather and the opportunity to live the ultimate glamour lifestyle. It would be easy to see that Victoria, too, would like that prospect.

The loan move to AC Milan was announced on the 22nd of October 2008 and took some people by surprise. The star name of the MLS was being allowed to be loaned back to a European league and Beckham was getting the chance to play at the very top of club football again. The fact that he has been able to make an influential contribution to Milan's season is testimony to Beckham's determination and refusal to bow to suggestions that he is past his best. He has stated his desire to remain with England and play right through to the 2010 World Cup finals in South

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