David Beckham has today revealed plans to launch an MLS franchise, based in Miami, Florida, with the former England captain to become a franchise owner of the club itself.
The club will be based in the heartland of the south, with Beckham having plans in place to bring a stable ‘Soccer’ club to the city itself.
The proposed deal is rumoured to be part of the financial package that he recieved upon joining Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007.
Beckham, who retired in May after a twenty year professional career, played for the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and of course the L.A Galaxy, before ending his playing career in France, with Ligue 1 side Paris Saint Germain.
The humble winger stated at an press conference in Miami earlier today…
This is an exciting time for myself, my family, my friends and partners, and it is something we are really looking forward to bringing to Miami,” said Beckham.
MLS commissioner Don Garber, speaking at Wednesday’s announcement alongside Beckham, said the league would work with Miami authorities to build a world-class stadium for the club, which would be funded by Beckham and his partners.
No date has been set for the completion of the venue, or when the franchise might join the league.
“We’re planning to bring a team that will be a global team,” added Beckham.
“I wanted to create a team that we can start from scratch. I want to make this my own team. I am going to work hard for this city to make this team very successful. It is an exciting time.”
Beckham had previously heald talks with MLS respresentitives ahead of a proposed deal shortly before his retirement last May.
He has eyed a waterfront Stadium for the side to play its home fixtures, with Beckham already in discussions to lease county-owned land for a 25,000-seat stadium. A search has identified five possible sites in and around downtown Miami.
The proposed Stadium will be a purpose built 25,000 seater Arena, with Miami vying to become a force within the Major League Soccer set up.
MLS commissioner Don Garber added: “This is the first time in the modern era that an ex-athlete has joined the ranks of owner. As a player and ambassador for MLS he’s had an amazing impact on our league. He helped motivate champions like Thierry Henry come to the MLS.”
The team in Miami are set to become the 22nd franchise in the MLS system, after another Florida side, Orlando City, became the 21st, and will participate in the MLS for the first time when the season resumes in March.
The ideal location for a proposed Stadium is a five minute walk along the harbour from the Miami Heat Basketball team Arena and the NFL team the Miami Dolphins.
Exciting times lie ahead for the sport across the Atlantic, with several big names now plying their trade over there. Thierry Henry, and Tim Cahill are both regulars with the New York Red Bulls, whilst Robbie Keane is over on the West Coast with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Clint Dempsey recently returned to Seattle, and Jermaine Defoe has recently signed for Toronto, from Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal and Manchester City have both recently announced plans to set up franchise teams, with New York ‘City’ and the L.A Gunners set to be given the seal of approval.
Miami last had a professional Soccer club in 2001.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
