Draped in a Union Jack flag and surrounded by his three sons, David Beckham bid farewell to LA Galaxy. The London-born sporting superstar, who began his professional football career back in 1993, announced two weeks ago that the match against Houston Dynamo would be his last for the stateside team.
And what better way to end five years for the American side than by winning the Major Soccer League Cup, secured by Galaxy's 3 - 1 victory over their Texan opponants. After the match David posed with the coveted trophy with Brooklyn, 13, Romeo, 10 and seven-year-old Cruz, who were all appropriately decked out in the West-Coast team's kit.
David's final outing for LA was just as important to the crowd, which included actor Gerard Butler, as it was to the man himself. When the OBE honoree was substituted onto the pitch his entrance was met with a standing ovation. Speaking to his adoring crowd after the game David said "I'm sad that this is the end. This is a very special place for me and will continue to be. I am grateful to have been successful for the last four years. I may not play here anymore but I remain just as committed to growing this club, this league and this sport."
The Former England Captain has yet to reveal what's next on his sporting agenda but he has made no secret of the fact he would like to play in the Champions League again before retiring for good. David, who rose to fame as a midfielder for Manchester United, said "I still miss playing in it" adding "they are the games you love playing in. Of course I'd want to play in it again."
The 37-year-old's comments come as speculation mounts that he and his wife, Victoria, are planning to move back to the UK. At the end of October a source close to the couple told HELLO! that the famous duo are "seriously considering" a move back to their home country.But whilst they've been in the US the six-piece family have enjoyed the LA lifestyle immensely. David and his sons are court-side regulars are some of the city's hottest basketball games, and Victoria has made good friends such as Desperate Housewives' star Eva Longoria.
Midway through his career with the Californian team David said "my family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America, and we look forward to spending many more years here." However as time went by a source revealed "David is passionate about his career and wants to spend his years as a top level footballer playing to the best of his ability. He may well get offers from European clubs, and he's made it clear that, if the offer is right, a move back across the Atlantic could be on the cards. "Friends of the Beckhams say the next few weeks will be crucial as the family consider their options now that David's career in the Major Soccer League has come to an end.
