DISQUS

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Tbh, I don't care where he ends up - as long as it is not the Premiership...


TT

Anonymous · 2 years ago

I don't see him returning to the Premiership unless Man U approaches him. But, he still has a consciousness of his place in history as a footballer, and I don't think that he believes his European career is finished.


Obviously, his legs have gone but I still think that with his technical ability he can function in a part-time role for a club. I see him going to Inter to replace Figo and take over his role for them. His slower pace wouldn't be as much of a problem in Italy as it would in England. It makes sense football and marketing wise for both player and club, and that is probably where he would get the most money and one more crack at some hardware.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

I don't understand how Beckham joining the MLS would affect American viewership of the premeirship.

mike · 2 years ago

It really depends on the performance of the MLS. Sure, this will get eyeballs to the MLS games on FSC, but the quality will need to be there to keep eyes there. If games are good enough to keep people watching (which I personally haven't seen from the MLS), then perhaps fans will also branch out to other leagues on FSC, most obviously the EPL. On the other hand, how much time does the average person have in any given week to watch soccer? If that time is being spent watching the MLS, perhaps this will draw people away from the EPL.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

It seems like it's now official (according to the BBC website), I’m surprised as I don’t think he will get back in the England setup now.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Yes, let's pay a slow, side-midfielder who has little skill or flair on the ball a million dollars a week so that people can tune in and say, 'wow mls is even worse than i thought'...Although the average american viewer will surely be mesmerized by his long-ball skills.

deeplennon · 2 years ago

What's most amazing to me is his weekly wage of £495k a week!


What's the highest weekly wage in the premiership right now? Maybe Ballack at £160k?



Sure, Beckham's marketing worth may be invaluable, but in sheer footballing value I can't see how he's worth more than £70k a week. So that leaves £425k a week for his poster boyness. Lunacy.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

publicity wise it will be a boon for the league. It should be easier for advertisers to use Beckham domestically as Americans with basic cable packages will be able to see him play, creating more visibility for the game...Will it increase the level of play...that is questionable. However if the rumors are correct and Beckham continues to work hard at Madrid even though he's not playing...it could teach some of the players domestically how to be professionals and work harder to improve their own games.

olivert · 2 years ago

Strongly disagree.


I do NOT think Beckham's presence in MLS will have ANY effect on the popularity of the EPL as a TV product in the US.



I also do NOT believe Beckham will have that much effect on the popularity of MLS, as either a TV product or as a in-stadium entertainment product, after the 2007 season ends.



Beckham's first home game in LA of course will be a media circus, but the effect will be short-lived.



The bump in merchandising revenue from the sale of LA Galaxy jerseys with the name "BECKHAM" on the back will probably run through the 2007 Christmas selling season, but that too will be a short-term pheonmenon if history is any indication.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

three times ive had tickets to the nearest MLS club to me (3 hours away) and every time ive decided not to go at the last minute. will i go now to see becks? man i just dont know. i think before i went to a Wizards game to see him (my "local" team) id rather take a vacation out to LA this summer and see him at home against a quality side. but thats a big commitment to see one man play. i wont be buying the PPV package again, thats for sure.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Regardless of Beckham's footballing qualities(he is a mediocre, at best, player), him being part of MLS will have a positive publicity effect for the league.
MLS needs exposure and heroes kids can emulate. Soccer must become a spectator sport in this country, and not just a participation sport.

Now it's the turn of other MLS clubs to bring in decent European/South American players.

MLS is a young league-barely 10 years. For a sport and a league to succeed, it takes a generation and steps like brinking Becks to the league are small, but necessary ones.

Soccer does have a bright future in this country, but it will take at least 2-3 decades for it to be on par with baseball/basketball.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Great timing for my comment. Though I didn't anticipate him getting $50 million a year. Screw history or competition, that kind of money will get anyone over to the states.


He will have a huge impact. I don't think the NASL comparison is a valid one. Those guys were all great players, but never have we seen a multimedia marketing phenomenon like Beckham. He is already a household name and face, and will be even more so after he shows up.



He is a spectacle and people will come out to see him. I will probably even tune in to an MLS match to watch him. If he is such a non-factor, why were England matches the only other ones to be shown on ABC as opposed to ESPN?

Anonymous · 2 years ago

i just read on foxsoccer that davids has been approached from fc dallas. granted, davids is also over 30(33 , i think) but he is a quality player with international recognition that still has 2-3 years of quality football ahead of him.

Anonymous · 2 years ago

Bringing in Becks and some other, ahem, "mature" stars could be a great thing.


I'd honestly be far more interested in seeing an old Zidane take on an old Beckham than I would be in Landon Donovan vs. Freddy Adu in their primes. Just to say I saw them. Give me a fat, old Ronaldo over Cobi Jones any day- it's our only chance to see these guys play!



I don't think we're facing a flameout either- NASL was a completely different situation.



Bringing in these guys might just pique the interest of the American public- and that really makes them worth more off the field than on. I don't care if he's lost a step, he's David friggin Beckham!

olivert · 2 years ago

Anyone wants to bet that AEG will kick in some cash to do a "loan deal" with Real Madrid in order to get Beckham in time for the MLS season opener on April 7?


Real Madrid has started the poker game by having Capello tell the media that Beckham will NEVER play for Real Madrid again from this point in time.

Marta Del Piero · 2 years ago

Miami Herald great quote.. u can always count on Ray Hudson 2 b colorful!!!....Ray said,"Comparing this to Pele's signing is obscene and ridiculous. He's a teen idol, a David Cassidy, a one trick pony on the field, overrated, manufactured like his wife...you can't blame the league. It had reached a plateau and had gotten stale. They needed a spark to start the bonfire and Beckham will do that...but what happens when the splash is over?" 2FUNNY>>>Forza Azzuri Girl, Cheeta#13