An end of an era for MLS. Beckham has done much for MLS, but I think MLS no longer needs his star power to attract players to MLS. Publicity though, that's another story.
Beckham's entrance will always be remembered as an inflection point in the history of MLS, when the league committed to taking off the training wheels (at their own pace) and letting teams spend to bring in talented and/or interest-building players to raise their profile. Here's hoping LA make good use of that cap space, though, with the Champions League quarterfinals awaiting them in March. And I have to ask: who else can't wait to see Loney's take on it?
My lasting memory of Beckham will be watching Terry Cooke outperforming him in the opening game of 2008 as they lost in Colorado 4-0.
so what's this "one last challenge?" ... getting paid an assload of money to play in the illustrious China? Dubai? or something equally "challenging"?
I'm curious as to where he lands as well. Didn't expect this at all. I figured he's end his career in MLS and then buy a franchise. Going to make the December 1st game even more interesting I guess. Curious what LA will do with all that extra cash.
To be fair, if he went there next year, he'd still potentially have the mojo from the Curse of Ballouchy in his favor .
On a more serious note: you have Landon Donovan potentially taking a sabbatical from soccer. Beckham leaving the Galaxy for sure. Is Keane still signed for next year? Either way, who exactly are the Galaxy going to be next year?
Good question, I think the biggest question is how will the the potential sell of the Galaxy (as part of the AEG purge) affect where the money goes?
This screams "AEG sale related". I think they had to offload Beck's to make the G's more appealing financially. Without his salary and chunk of jersey sales, the G's will be farther in the black.
My lasting impression? Bex daring a LA fan to fight him during halftime after his 1st stint with AC Milan (think it was his first).
There was a rumour a few days ago that he was going to play in the A-League. It looks like he will try to grow the game there as well.
A portion of all jersey sales goes to him. I think that would potentially detract potential investors.