Beckham takes LA bow

Former England captain David Beckham was unveiled as Major League Soccer's first 'galactico' on Friday.

The 32-year-old Beckham has signed a five-year deal which is expected to earn him around £128million after leaving Spanish giants Real Madrid when his contract ended on June 30.

Beckham, who left Madrid with the Primera Liga title, is seen as the man to raise the profile of the MLS after becoming one of the most famous footballers in the world.

Each year, Beckham will be paid 5.5million US dollars (£2.7million) in basic salary by Galaxy, plus a million-dollar marketing and promotional bonus. He will also cash in on Galaxy's merchandising.

Beckham said: "In my career I have played for two of the biggest club sides in the world, Manchester United and Real Madrid. I have played for my country for 11 years and I am still playing for my country.

"I have always looked for challenges in my life. My family has moved to Los Angeles and this is something we are proud of. Everything is perfect. My family is the most important thing for me, but the soccer is second."

Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas described it as a historic moment.

"Not just for the Galaxy but for soccer and for the sport of soccer in the United States," said Lalas.

MLS commissioner Don Garber echoed those thoughts.

"This is truly a historic day for soccer," he said. "Here in Los Angeles we have one of the world's most recognised athletes, most recognised players coming here to our league, our city, our team."