It’s a career that Beckham has looked back on and said, “It is exactly the same, doesn’t matter where I am playing, what country, what team. When you are successful and win, it all means the same thing.” The Essex-born midfielder is best placed to decide, too. He has amassed a trophy cabinet that most Englishmen could only dream of; 6 Premier League titles, 2 F.A Cups, a UEFA Champions League, a La Liga and lest we forget his second not-so-acclaimed career triple of the MLS’ Supporters Shield, the MLS Western Conference title and Sunday night’s MLS Cup.
Like a true English Brave, ex-England captain David Beckham, battled through his side’s 1-0 cup final win over Houston Dynamos with a tear in is hamstring. Having lifted the cup, kissed it affectionately like it was his attractive celebrity wife, then put it down on realising it was larger and heavier than his better half, Beckham was quick to assure any remaining football snobs that the trophy meant as much to him as the, “European Cup, FA Cup, Premier League, La Liga, (it) all means the same thing.” The defiance displayed lent itself as homage to the club that paid a fortune to bring football’s attention to America, “I always think about being successful whichever club I have been at, I have played for two of the biggest clubs in the world in Real Madrid and Manchester United and been successful with them, now I have played for the biggest club in America and had success.”
Whether you are one of those football snobs or you are one of the many admirers of the ever-progressing, talent flourishing MLS, Beckham makes a valid point in nodding in the direction of success in three different countries. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is only the second Englishman to achieve league titles in three different countries.
His Premier League, La Liga and Western Conference titles measure up to another ex-England right midfielder, Trevor Steven’s First Division title with Everton, the Scottish Football League with Rangers and the Ligue 1 title with Marseille. When Steven had achieved his 3rd title from a 3rd country, he returned to Rangers, where he had played before Marseille and went on to win more titles and cups with the Scottish club. He was 29 when he returned to Britain, Beckham would be 36, but could a similar move be on the cards?
Firstly and perhaps most likely, is a move similar to Steven’s; PSG are knocking on the door for Beckham’s signature and the mega-rich Qatari investment into the French capital’s side could fund the move for Beckham’s costly acquisition. Steven went to Marseille and in one season he achieved the French league title, Ligue 1, before moving back to Rangers as financial pressure mounted for the Southern French side.
Money won’t be a problem if this similar trade-off takes place and at the age of 36, a move to one of Europe’s big clubs still competing in the Europa League may tempt Becks. The move would have Victoria’s backing too; the fashion icon had admitted that, although their long term future remains in America, an 18-month spell in Paris is “imminent” and “ideal” for the woman that has forged a career off the back of her music, dipping into the clothes, perfume and accessories market, under the label VB Rocks.
Ultimately though, if the decision is to have football at the heart of it, it is Beckham’s brain and not Victoria’s ventures that must cast the final say. “It won’t make any difference,” Beckham said of winning the Cup on Sunday night, “I said that before whether we won or not, it would not change my future.” It seems David’s mind is made up and the obvious advantages, money, a happy wife and remaining in the eye of the English, seem to all present themselves with a move to PSG.
It isn’t the only choice and it may not be the best. PSG are quickly saturating their squad with more stars than the Milky Way and getting game time may be sporadic. It is all well and good earning big bucks and being on the payroll of one of the best clubs in the world, but it’s not going to get you into the England team.
Therefore, a move to the Premier League may be the better option and it is one that would be welcomed by fans of all and clubs too. He’s the brightest ambassador for English football and is still much-loved for his commitment, his patriotism and determination on and off-the-field for the Beautiful Game and indeed his country.
I would love to see Beck’s back here in the UK playing again but i’m not sure he will. He has already stated he couldn’t play for a rival against his beloved Man Utd….for me that rules out a return to the UK because i cant see him dropping down into the Championship. I can see him either playing a final contract out in America or a French side.