David Beckham to Join French Football Club?
Soccer icon David Beckham is reportedly preparing to sign a lucrative deal to play for the French club Paris St. German, while his representatives claim no official agreement has been reached.
The 36-year-old midfielder is coming off of a championship season with the Major League Soccer club L.A. Galaxy, but is at the end of his five-year contract with the club. According to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Beckham will sign a contract with Paris St. German in January. The deal is worth 800,000 euros ($1.05 million) a month over an 18-month period.
The French are excited about the possibility of signing a footballer of Beckham’s status. Newspapers in France read lines like, “Le Voila!” (He’s Here) and “ll a dit Oui!” (He Said Yes!). It is even rumored that City Hall will open its doors to Beckham when he signs the deal.
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“It’s not surprising,” Marseille coach Didier Deschamps said. “He’s still a great professional, even though he’s not so young anymore.”
Despite the excitement and speculation of the French, Beckham’s representatives claim that no deal has been reached.
“No agreement with any football club has been reached. Any talk of a deal is premature. David is presently considering his options,” a representative for Beckham stated.
PSG, who is backed by wealthy Qatari investors, has already spent over $100 million to sign nine players. The club currently ranks second in France’s top division. PSG’s director of communications, Bruno Skropeta, said, “we don’t comment on rumors,” concerning the possible deal.
Beckham’s camp continued to deny allegations that he was recently in Paris with his wife, Victoria Beckham, looking at possible homes for their family.
While several English clubs have shown interest in him, Beckham’s main focus might be preparing to lead the English team in the 2012 Olympics.
Sources close to Beckham say that it isn’t certain he will sign with PSG and he could remain with the L.A. Galaxy.
“He’s just had a great season at LA, and with Robbie[Keane] and Landon[Donovan] there the quality has improved,” a source told ESPNsoccernet. “The new MLS season starts in March with plenty of time to be in top shape for the Olympics, so it is a big decision.”
His current deal gives him the option to purchase an MLS team and a new deal will include a one-year renewal, with the possibility of Beckham getting a management position at AEG after retirement, according to reports.
Beckham has played for some of the best soccer clubs in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and A.C. Milan. He also holds England’s national team all-time appearance record for an outfield player at 108. During his 20-year career, he’s won six Premier League titles, two FA Cup titles and one UEFA Championship.
