July 15, 2007	Sunday	Jamadi-us-Sani 29, 1428

CARSON (California), July 14: David Beckham, ready to start his much trumpeted American adventure, was formally introduced as a Los Angeles Galaxy player at the Major League Soccer (MLS) team’s home stadium on Friday.

The England midfielder was paraded in front of an audience of Galaxy season-ticket holders and sponsors’ guests at the Home Depot Centre before being presented with his number 23 shirt.

Beckham, who arrived in Los Angeles on Thursday night with his pop star wife Victoria and their three sons, told the crowd he was ready to embrace one of the biggest challenges of his career.

“To move to a different country on the other side of the world is something I’m looking forward to,” the 32-year-old said after being introduced amidst a burst of gold, blue and white confetti. “I think potentially in the States soccer could be as big as it is everywhere in the world and I’m very proud to be part of that for the next five years, and maybe after that.

“In my career I have played for two of the biggest club sides in the world – Manchester United and Real Madrid – and I’ve played for 11 years for my country and still am playing for my country.

“I’ve always looked for challenges in my career and something exciting in my life.”

The former England captain, signed from Real Madrid on a five-year deal worth $1 million a week, spoke to the crowd from a stage set up just outside the penalty area at one end of the stadium.

Beckham was joined by his new head coach Frank Yallop, Galaxy General Manager Alexi Lalas, MLS Commissioner Dan Garber and Tim Leiweke, President and Chief Executive AEG, the entertainment conglomerate that owns the Galaxy.—Reuters