David Beckham: Former England captain must win over opponents to Miami stadium

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player is to start a new MLS franchise

A proposed stadium for a Major League Soccer (MLS) team backed by retired English soccer star David Beckham of the group's preferred location for the arena seated in between Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami, Florida

David Beckham says he wants to win round opponents of his plans to build a stadium for his new Miami team in the port of the Florida city.

Cruise operators have raised concerns about traffic problems if the 25,000-seater stadium for the Major League Soccer franchise in the heart of Port Miami receives the go-ahead.

Beckham attended a news conference in Miami on Monday to announce the development plans and said of the opposition: "I want to change their minds.

"I don't want to be an enemy to the people that are opposed to the stadium. I want to work with them."

Beckham pictured at the announcement of the Miami franchise

Beckham has also hired a lobbyist to try to secure state aid from Florida to part-fund the stadium, according to the Miami Herald. Other stadiums in the state receive annual aid.

Beckham added: "We want to be treated like every other franchise. We're not asking for anything more or anything less."

PA