Beckham keen to take up MLS franchise offer

By Duncan Mackay

January 17 – David Beckham (pictured) seems set to take up the option of buying a franchise in the United States Major League Soccer (MLS), he has revealed.

The former England captain was given the option to buy a franchise as part of the deal when he moved to the United States to join Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 from Real Madrid.

He cannot take up the option until 2011 at the earliest but has already been linked with franchises in Miami and New York, providing he can raise the minimum $40 million (£24 million).

Beckham said: “I want to be involved in the game in some way when I finish.

“Owning a franchise is something that is possible, something I am thinking about, and something that will happen eventually.

“I’ve always said since I went to the US that I want to be an ambassador of the game and of the MLS.

“I am not saying it is going to be the number one sport in America.

“But it can definitely get bigger.

“It’s something I’m looking forward to being part of.”

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