As I am in Paris today, a topical article about the City’s most famous temporary resident at the moment. Roy Larking takes a look at the boys-own career of one of England’s finest ever modern day players.
David Beckham. Not many names in the world of football evoke more mixed emotions, whether it’s love or hate, than the new main man of the moment in France’s Ligue 1. Beckham first signed with Manchester United as a 17 year old, where he played from 1993 to 2003 and registered 61 goals in 265 appearances.
After wearing out his welcome with the Manchester club, Beckham’s next move would spark controversy. With word spreading that Becks would be sold to Barcelona in 2003, Beckham shocked the football world when he signed a four year contract for €35 million with then reigning Spanish Champions Real Madrid. Beckham scored 13 goals in 116 appearances with the team in Madrid before he was on the move again.
Perhaps the most daring decision of his career, Beckham skipped out of Europe all together when he took his talents to North America. As the most recognized face in football, Beckham signed a 5-year base contract worth $32.5 million and joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Major Soccer League. During his stay in the MLS (98 Apps and 16 Gls) Beckham spent part of his Galaxy career on loan to Milan – a move that did not sit well with many fans in Los Angeles.
Beckham’s career has gone full circle now as he returned to Europe and signed on with the Paris St-Germain club where he played six matches in 2013. Always full of surprises, Beckham announced he would donate his entire salary during his time in Paris to a local children’s charity. While it’s a generous gesture, as the David Beckham Info-Graphic shows, the Beckham family won’t be starving anytime soon.
