David Beckham announced Monday that his days with the Los Angeles Galaxy are numbered. His last match will be next month in the MLS Cup.
This announcement came just a day after the Galaxy advanced to the cup final. Los Angeles will defend their title as MLS champions against Houston Dec. 1.
“I’ve had an incredibly special time playing for the L.A. Galaxy,” Beckham said in a statement.
After playing six seasons with Los Angeles, Beckham’s new goal is owning his own league franchise.
“I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career,” Beckham said. “I don’t see this as the end of my relationship with the league, as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future.”
Beckham has not officially announced his retirement from the sport, and there are rumors he will play in Australia, although Beckham denies any plans to go to the Land Down Under.
So will this be the last time the world sees Beckham’s mythical right foot in action?
“In my time here I have seen the popularity of the game grow every year,” Beckham told The Associated Press, “I’ve been fortunate to win trophies, but more important to me has been the fantastic reception I’ve had from fans in L.A. and across the States. Soccer’s potential has no limits in this wonderful country, and I want to always be part of growing it.”
“Seldom does an athlete redefine a sport,” Tim Leiweke, the president of Galaxy owners AEG told the AP. “It has been an honor and privilege to be a part of his world, and more importantly, to have him be a part of ours.”
Beckham started playing soccer professionally with Manchester United, advancing through the club’s youth academy and making his first-team debut in 1992. He left Manchester for Real Madrid and played there until 2007, when he came to the U.S. to play for the Galaxy.