Beckham move a smart one, on and off the pitch

2Slick

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Virtually everyone in the soccer world believes David Beckham's monumental move to the Los Angeles Galaxy will be a good one for both him and the sport.

To what degree, and in what form, is somewhat open for debate.

Those who know Beckham feel there is plenty left in his 31-year-old tank, which should enable him to do more than simply compete in MLS, which is a considerable notch below the top European Leagues.

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Off the pitch, Beckham is the international face of the sport whose presence in the entertainment capital of the world can only help raise the profile of MLS and generate true interest in soccer in America, where it is well down in the pecking order of sports fans.

Arsene Wenger, the manager of British Premiership powerhouse Arsenal, does not feel Beckham's $250 million leap across the pond will make him "dead as a footballer."

"I believe he considered either staying in Madrid or going to America for a completely different way of life," Wenger said. "I do not believe he is dead as a football player. He has good stamina, he never had great pace and players with that last a long time."

Before signing his unprecedented deal with the Galaxy, Beckham was contemplating offers from several soccer clubs in Europe. He spent 11 years with Premiership power Manchester United before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003.

Wenger also admitted that he may have made the same decision to leap across the pond were he in Beckham's cleats.

"I would have stayed at Real Madrid or be tempted by a challenge like that in America," Wenger said.

Part of the value of Beckham's contract is generated by promotional and marketing strategies MLS will tie to the ability of his worldwide popularity to generate revenue for the league. It is a road American soccer has been down before.

In the 1970s, the North American Soccer League lured international stars such as Pele and Giorgio Chinaglia to America. The initial spike in interest was undeniable but quickly faded, as did the league. But Wenger believes it is a necessary gamble.

"If they want to really have a go in America it will be great for football and they must multiply these things up by six, seven, 10 times," the manager said. "If you have 10 players like Beckham in the league, that will create a lift. One is not enough."

Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas, who played for Team USA and European clubs, believes Beckham will bring a whole new audience to soccer in America.

"He appeals to so many different people," Lalas said. "There is going to be a curiosity factor. There are going to be many people who are going to come to their first MLS and first Galaxy game to watch David Beckham.

"You sometimes get lost when you talk about Beckham. He is going to make our team better. We like to think he is coming to the premier club in MLS soccer. First and foremost, he is a good soccer player."

Beckham will join the Galaxy in August, and coach Frank Yallop cannot wait to put him in the lineup.

"Getting someone of David's ability and stature is great for us," Yallop said. "People are saying he is past it. I totally disagree with that.

"I watched his last six matches for Real Madrid and he was one of the best, if not the best, player on the field during that spell. He is going to bring a great wealth of experience and winning mentality to our club."