David Beckham road show is moving on but do not think for a minute it is winding down.
After six seasons in the States, Becks plays his final game for the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup Final against Houston Dynamo tomorrow.But ask him, at the ripe old age of 37, if he’s thinking of retirement the answer is an unequivocal “No”. Becks has not even called time on his England career.
Clubs in mainland Europe, China, Australia, Brazil and England would still love to sign Becks. However, he appears to rule out a return to the Premier League with QPR or West Ham.
Faded glamour team Monaco have now jumped to the head of the queue as favourites even though they are currently in the second tier of French football.
They are top of the table and backed by a Russian billionaire and you would have to say a stint on the French Riviera sounds very in-keeping with “Brand Beckham”.
It would be particularly appealing to Becks’ wife Victoria and her fashion projects.
Meanwhile, Beckham is also in talks about finalising his dream of becoming an owner of an MLS franchise.
The result of that will, he revealed, be announced ‘soon’.
Becks said: “Retirement hasn’t even come into my head yet, to be honest.
“I feel great, physically good. I’ve scored seven goals, had nine assists and played in the majority of games and physically I do feel I can play on “I’m happy I’ve played in America for six years but now is the time to go and do something different.
“Everyone knows I’ve always enjoyed a challenge in my career and done pretty well with them.
“I feel I’ve got another one in me. “I’ve been discussing a franchise with my manager for the last six months.
“I’m in talks, I can’t say who with, but it’s an exciting project.
“I’m going to enjoy being an owner, It will be announced pretty soon we are going over small details.”
Beckham made the last of his 115 England appearances against Belarus at Wembley three years ago and accepts it is unlikely he will wear the white shirt again.
But he turned down the offer of a farewell cap from then England boss Fabio Capello and refuses to write of his international career completely — despite new manager Roy Hodgson building a future with younger players.
Beckham said: “I’ve not played for my country for quite a few years now.
“Would I like to? Of course. That’s why I’ve never come out and said I’ve retired from England because if there was any chance at any point that there was hardly any players fit then of course I would love to be playing for my country. Will it happen? I doubt it but you never know.”
The MLS invested around £22million in taking Becks to the MLS and the general consensus is that it has been money well spent.
Beckham’s aim was to increase awareness of the MLS and to be successful on the field — and he believes both have been achieved.
This is his third MLS Cup Final and Galaxy are aiming to retain the trophy at their very own Home Depot Center tomorrow.
He added: “On the field has been most important because I want to win trophies and championships.
“Off the field has become important because I want to leave a lasting legacy — and a league that’s in a great position to push forward to challenge to be one of the big leagues.
“I’m happy with what I’ve done getting to three finals in six years, winning one and hopefully winning another one.
“I’ve seen six new stadiums built, there are six new teams, and attendances have been in the top three in US sports “Also Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and Tim Cahill coming over is great for the game.
“The biggest thing is that people are talking about it in Europe now. Going back to England they talk about the Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls and Seattle.”
Beckham insists the move was not about money even if there are those who refuse to believe him.
He asked: “Do people still question my motives?” he asked.
“My career has never been about the money. Wherever I’ve gone in my career I played the sport because I love it. It was never about the money and never will be.
“I’m excited to be in another final. The emotions will come out and the realisation it’s my last game for the Galaxy.
“But to be in a final at our own stadium in front of our own fans is kind of a nice way to go out.”
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