By Ben Nicholson
March 7 – David Beckham’s Miami franchise dream is very much alive and kicking, and he says that it is not just his dream, revealing that some world class players have been “showing interest” in his upcoming MLS franchise.
In an interview with the Miami Herald he said he has received calls from former teammates and opponents, “some of the great players that are still playing in the game,” asking about when it’s happening and when they can come.
Beckham stated that he thought “what’s great about Miami is the diversity of cultures.” He intimated that the already existing Hispanic population in Miami, and their support of soccer teams abroad, sets this franchise up for success.
High on Beckham’s agenda remains securing a stadium location in downtown Miami by the water. He explained his dogged desire to overcome the hurdles that have repeatedly obstructed his way:
“When you think about Miami, everyone loves the water, everybody spends a huge amount of time in the water… a downtown area which is on the water is the only place it should be because it showcases what Miami is all about; it showcases everything I think about with Miami.”
He concluded that the stadium should be built by the water because his “vision has always been to bring a successful team, a successful stadium for the people.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to privately funding this build, declaring, “From day one we’ve said we will fund the stadiums ourselves. We do not want any taxpayers money.” (However, that would not exclude any tax breaks.)
In discussing his encounters with politics and politicians, Beckham diplomatically said, “I’ve met some great people, I’ve met some interesting people.”
He disclaimed that he’s “definitely not a politician,” [but as the U.S. is demonstrating, that does not serve to count one out of the running]. He went on, “I definitely don’t know much about politics” [but again that appears to be no barrier to trade in the U.S.]
Although Beckham initially answered that what he has learned about Miami politics is “to not get involved,” he believes that he knows “what people want and… that people in Miami want MLS here and they want this stadium…So maybe I should go into politics.”
Beckham expressed thanks for the “incredible” support shown in the last six months in Miami, saying: “We want this to be something that the people in Miami are proud of and they can turn up week in and week out to watch the games and be proud of something that they’ve created and that they’ve wanted for many years.”
Taking Beckham’s perception of support, it surely should not be long until a stadium site is secured…
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