David Beckham statue: Former England captain thanks LA 'family' at historic unveiling

The statue, a first for an MLS player, honours the former England captain who was the first big European name to join the league

David Beckham paid tribute to his LA Galaxy "family" and thanked Los Angeles for embracing him at the unveiling of his statue before the MLS club's season-opener on Saturday.

The statue, a first for an MLS player, honours the former England captain who was the first big European name to join the league, boosting its popularity and paving the way for other global stars to make the leap.

Beckham won back-to-back championships in 2011 and 2012 during his six years and 98 appearances with the Galaxy.

"Our city, our home," Beckham said outside the Galaxy's home stadium, the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, before their game against the Chicago Fire.

"From day one when my family arrived in this city, we felt at home and for that we will be forever grateful.

"When I talk about LA Galaxy and when I talk about LA, I talk about it as family because it is a big family."

The statue unveiling came a day after Beckham helped open a soccer field for underprivileged youth in downtown Los Angeles.

"Taking care of the next generation of soccer stars in this country is really important and we did it in a community that really needed support and a safe environment for children," added 43-year-old Beckham, with his parents and wife Victoria among the audience.

Beckham's statue was unveiled in LA (USA TODAY Sports)

Former Galaxy team mate Robbie Keane paid tribute to Beckham as a loyal friend and family man.

"The David Beckham the public know is a global superstar and icon throughout the world," said Keane. "But the one I know is even better."