David Beckham signs new deal with LA Galaxy

David Beckham today revealed how he turned down "many offers" from around the world to re-sign with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Beckham's five-year contract with the Major League Soccer side expired last month and he had been linked with a move to Paris St Germain.

However, the 36-year-old has now signed a new two-year deal with the Galaxy, with whom he won the 2011 MLS Cup.

"This was an important decision for me," Beckham said on the club's website. "I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I'm still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy.

"I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here.

"My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here."

The happiness of his family appears to have been a major factor in the deal, with PSG's sporting director Leonardo admitting as much when the proposed move to Paris fell through earlier this month.

"It's a shame, but the welfare of his family in Los Angeles, the wish not to change everything in his life, weighed heavily," Leonardo said.

Beckham came through the ranks and enjoyed a glittering career at Manchester United before joining Real Madrid in 2003.

He won one Primera Division title and then joined the Galaxy on a bumper pay deal that saw him become easily the highest paid player in the country.

Beckham spent two winters on loan at AC Milan during his original five-year deal at the Galaxy, and has also had training spells at Arsenal and Tottenham during the MLS off season.

Galaxy general manager and head coach Bruce Arena said on the club's website: "I am thrilled that David has chosen to re-join the Galaxy, especially as he had numerous options where he could continue his career.

"I felt that he was one of the best players in all of MLS last season and we could not have achieved the success that we did without him.

"We look forward to trying to replicate that success this season with David once again in a Galaxy uniform."

Beckham's business manager Simon Fuller added: "When David and I discussed making the move from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy back in 2007, our minds were firmly focused on the massive opportunity of helping to grow soccer in the United States.

"We have made great progress over the past five years in raising the profile of soccer domestically and the MLS on a worldwide stage, and we are encouraged by all the results.

"However, clearly this is an ongoing mission and this new deal confirms our commitment to continuing our journey and making sure the world's biggest sport, soccer, continues to grow in the world's most passionate sports loving nation, the USA."

The LA Galaxy start their pre-season campaign next week and return to competitive action on March 7 when they travel to face Toronto FC in the first leg of their 2011/12 CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final.

Their first game of the 2012 MLS season is on Saturday, March 10 at home to Real Salt Lake.

PA