BBC Sport football

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 09:48 GMT, Friday, 25 March 2011

Beckham to captain LA Galaxy for first time since 2008

David Beckham
Englishman Beckham appears to be back in favour with the LA Galaxy's fans

David Beckham will captain Los Angeles Galaxy for the first time in three years when the Major League Soccer side face Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

The ex-England skipper, 35, took the role upon joining in 2007 but in recent years Landon Donovan - currently on international duty - has been captain.

Donovan questioned how committed Beckham was to the club in 2009, while Galaxy fans booed Beckham for a period.

"I'll be proud to wear it," said Beckham of the captain's armband.

"It doesn't change the way I play. It's something you're very proud to wear, but you need more than one leader on the field."

Beckham relinquished the role to Donovan when he joined AC Milan on loan in 2009, missing the start of the MLS season in the process.

Galaxy manager Bruce Arena said the decision to turn back to Beckham, albeit on a one-off basis, was simple.

"He's a logical choice," he said.

"He's worn the captain's armband here before and probably in a couple of other places as well. I don't think it's asking too much. It's not too overwhelming for him."

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham played all 90 minutes as Galaxy beat Seattle Sounders 1-0 in their opening MLS match of the season on 15 March as Juninho scored the winner.

Beckham and Donovan, who is preparing for the United States' friendly against Argentina in New Jersey on Saturday, soon patched up their differences after their exchange of opinions.

Beckham's current Galaxy contract expires in November.

The Londoner trained with Tottenham in February, and though he missed out on securing a loan deal to play for them then, manager Harry Redknapp hinted he may try to sign him later in the year.



Print Sponsor


see also
Beckham plays in Galaxy victory
16 Mar 11 |  Football
Beckham extends stay at Tottenham
08 Feb 11 |  Tottenham
Donovan feels at home at Everton
28 Jan 10 |  Everton
Beckham and Donovan play down 'feud'
14 Jul 09 |  Football
Beckham hits back at Donovan slur
12 Jul 09 |  Football
LA team-mate hits out at Beckham
02 Jul 09 |  Football
Milan welcomes Beckham
21 Dec 08 |  Europe
Beckham agrees to LA Galaxy move
12 Jan 07 |  Football
MLS paves way for big-name buys
11 Nov 06 |  Football


related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites