14 January 2007

Beckham To Pursue American Dream

Normally when I get home, I like to relax and watch a little SkySports News. Imagine my shock when the top story was David Beckham's move to LA Galaxy, in America. On hearing this shocking revelation I rushed up stairs, switched on my laptop and read up on the story on BBC News.

If you're American and not quite sure of who this David Beckham fella is, think soccer superstar. Think Real Madrid. Think former England captain. And if you still don't know who he is, think husband of Posh Spice and "Bend It Like Beckham".

Beckham had a choice between staying at arguably the most famous club in the world (Real Madrid) and living life as an overrated, over-paid and over-indulged Galatico (also known as "world-beater"); moving to Europe and proving to his critics that he's still got it, whilst trying to reclaim his place in the England squad (who quite frankly miss him); or do the unthinkable and move to America where he'll play mediocre football on a ridiculous wage packet in a league no one respects.


Beckham loves money. He'll endorse anything.


And yet, he chose America over the respect of his peers and the footballing world. He has chosen to throw his career away and become an A-list Hollywood Celebrity rather than a footballer. Admittedly, he is getting £127 million out of the move (which would motivate anyone really) but Major League Soccer? I can really see him forcing his way back into the England set-up there.

But he's made it clear he's not motivated by money. Sure he'll be earning $80 dollars a second, but it's difficult mingling with beautiful celebrities and lounging in the Los Angeles Sun. When you put it like that, you can really feel sympathy for the guy.


Being rich isn't easy. Look at all the money he has to count


I really can't see the Americans buying into this. I doubt his arrival will trigger a mass interest in football, a revitalisation of Major League Soccer or cause an influx of top quality players to arrive in America. I doubt the Americans are fickle enough to throw down their baseball bats and hockey sticks just because Beckham's in town.

Still, if it makes "soccer" more mainstream then I suppose it's worth it.

24 comments:

Torquer said...

I have noticed your library section. I have also read Number Ten and Notes From A Small Island. I would recommend them to any reader who likes a good winge.

Anonymous said...

of course it will make no difference - the usa will remain indifferent to footie.

Gaz said...

I think the man was once a legand,he was THE free kick specialist,he's now in his twilight years of football the game he loves,so good luck to him,may he show usa a thing or two?

ShouFarn said...

Yeah, well, if you think thats bad, wait till you read about what he may become:

http://nydailynews.com/front/story/488357p-411202c.html

Crashdummie said...

Beckham is just a brand name. But let's face it, he is a good player too, but I doubt that it would be his skills that will draw the attention..

more like his hairdoo, the scandals, his posh wife.. you name it!

Miao 妙 said...

I was rather surprised by the news as well. Why America of all countries?!

Anonymous said...

One correction --- you said Beckham loves money. I think Beckhams love money. Do not forgort his other half who seems greedier.

If Beckham said that he his move was purely for money, he would earn a gram of my respect.

Anonymous said...

One correction --- you said Beckham loves money. I think Beckhams love money. Do not forgort his other half who seems greedier.

If Beckham said that he his move was purely for money, he would earn a gram of my respect.

Jingo said...

Torquer, I'm glad to see you're still alive. Thanks for keeping on topic!

Oh and lighten up!

Jingo said...

You never know Mutley, Americans love celebs! Remember the 70's? Football was big in the states then.

Jingo said...

There's no denying he had it Gaz... But he's lost it now. Hopefully he will show the yanks how to kick a ball! If not atleast he's got his money ;)

Jingo said...

shoufarn, he would never! Only americans buy into that! Maybe they'll join just for the headlines...

Jingo said...

crash, he was a good player. But i agree, it would take something special to win over the Americans.

Jingo said...

simple Miao, America = Lots of money!

Anonymous said...

Dave came to Bridport once - he drank seven pints in the Woodman and a further three at the Kings Head before starting a fight with Martin Clunes by the statue of Bill Hailey in Beach Road...

Dan said...

I'm American and I sure know who Beckham is (even a movie has been named after him). The surprising thing to me is that I didn't even know there was such a thing as The L.A. Galaxy!

I'm not into soccer, and I'm not sure many Americans are.

b. said...

GLORY, GLORY MAN UNITED! GLORY, GLORY MAN UNITED....

seriously? Beck should have came to Canada...

Jingo said...

Mutley, what could have possibly brought Becks to the sleepy town of Bridport?

Jingo said...

Dan, it's mostly the immigrant population that keeps the MLS alive. A shame really, I'm sure people would prefer a less violent/more entertaining alternative to American Football.

Jingo said...

baie, so you've shown your true colours! As a true Liverpool supporter it sickens me to see ManUSA being mentioned.

You'll Never Walk Alone!

The Ex said...

2 things!

1. SNL summed this up quite nicely when they said, "Beckham signs with LA Galaxy... who apparently... exist".

I live in LA. I didn't know they existed. He will fail and he will do it miserably and the worst thing is? No one will even be watching.

2. I heard they're moving to LA to get the best treatment for his son's epilepsy. I suppose he isn't so money-centric!

Jingo said...

hi the ex, i'm sure the immigrant population will be watching! South Americans love their football.

I'm sure the epilepsy is his excuse for things. If you've seen Beckham's behaviour in the past you would realise it's all about the money.

KATHBEE said...

I was under the impression that soccer was quite big in the US these days (not compared to the UK of course) and women's soccer too!!??

I can't imagine why someone already THAT rich, would NEED to do things for the money????

Anyway...I went to an Art Gallery a couple of weeks ago and one of the exhibiting artists had produced a couple of videos...one of David Beckham sleeping. Yeah, I know...wierd...
It was probably about 3minutes long - which seems an eternity when you are watching someone sleeping, I can tell ya...but strangely enough it was actually quite poignant/poetic/evocative....trying to come up with the right word. It was easy to watch. (although it helps that he's pretty darn good-looking and has a nice naked upper-body!! - which is all we could see!)tee hee hee

Jingo said...

kb, i was under the impression womens football was massive in America. After all, there was Bend it LIke Beckham!