Manila-bound Beckham ponders future

AS British icon David Beckham prepares to travel with the Los Angeles Galaxy in a tour of Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia next week, he will also be thinking about his plans after his contract with the team expires at the end of the year.

During the Galaxy’s three-nation tour, team officials will most likely begin discussions with Beckham on what lies ahead after his $125-million, five-year deal with the team ends on Dec. 31.

“We certainly are not touring Indonesia, Asia and Australia without him, and we’re not getting the kind of guarantees we’re getting without David Beckham.” said Tim Leiweke, president of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the LA Galaxy, in an interview.

Beckham and his family has plans of relocating permanently to the United States after his playing career with the Galaxy is over.

The English midfielder is still undecided whether he will return to the team for one more season or switch to French side Paris St. Germain, after helping the Galaxy to the Major League Soccer Cup title last Sunday.

After overcoming a torn hamstring he suffered in training, Beckham helped set up Landon Donovan for a goal in their 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo.

Meanwhile, the Philippines Azkals will start preparing for their friendly with LA Galaxy this Friday.

James Younghusband said the team is looking forward to its training sessions for its game with the Galaxy starting this Friday. Peter Atencio


Manila Standard Today