By Andrew Warshaw
November 30 – David Beckham, one of the icons of his generation, has been heavily linked with a career-ending move to French club Monaco as he prepares to round off his time with LA Galaxy in the United States.
Reports suggest the former England captain will begin talks with Monaco, once a strong force in European football and 2004 UEFA Champions League finalists but currently in the second tier of French football, straight after tomorrow’s Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup final.
“If there’s a chance to get a player of Beckham’s stature, we’d be foolish not to explore it,” Monaco chief executive officer Tor-Kristian Karlsen was quoted as saying.
“I understand he’s high in demand but it’s natural for a player with his experience and quality.
“It’s a privilege to be linked with world-renowned players like Beckham.”
Beckham (pictured top) is due to play against Houston Dynamo in a rematch of last year’s MLS Cup final, which LA Galaxy won 1-0.
He recently announced he would be leaving for “one last challenge”.
Although seven-time French titlists Monaco have suffered a decline, billionaire Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev bought a majority stake in the club a year ago and they are currently top of their division.
“We’re an ambitious club and our President is committed to bringing the club back to where it used it be – to the elite of French football,” Karlsen told the BBC.
Speaking on the eve of his final game in the United States, Beckham told a news conference: “I’ve got some interesting and exciting options on the table.
“I am very flattered by some of the options that I’ve got.
“I still feel I can play and I’m not considering retiring.”
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