David Beckham Set To Set Up MLS Franchise In Miami

Ex-England captain David Beckham has confirmed his intention to set up an MLS franchise in Miami. By doing so, the 38-year-old, who spent five years with LA Galaxy, will become the first former professional sportsman to take charge of one of the league's teams.

"This is an exciting time," Beckham enthused at a press conference on Wednesday. "It's something we are really looking forward to bringing to Miami. "I wanted to create a team that we can start from scratch. I know there was a team 10 years ago who folded. I wanted to create a team that can be very personal.


"I want to make it my own team. We are very excited, Miami is a vibrant city with a lot of passion. I know this city is ready for soccer. I know this is going to be successful.

"I am looking forward to spending a lot more time and my family being here."

Beckham must now finalise a plan for the construction of a stadium for his new venture but the former midfield ace does not envisage any potential problems in that regard, with his ownership group having already held talks with Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez about potential sites.

"We will fund the stadium ourselves; we don't want public funding," he declared. "We can fund the stadium ourselves.

"We want to create a stadium, a soccer club that is the people's soccer club. I have worked with some of the biggest clubs and greatest players and this is a dream.

"I have lived the dream. This is what soccer can do for you."

Beckham added that he is confident of attracting some star names to Miami, while at the same time drawing from the deep pool of local talent.

"We will want to bring some of the best players to Miami to play for this team," he confirmed. "I have seen what happens when you bring great players in.

"Yes, we will bring great players in. The fortunate thing about my career is players are already interested in coming to Miami.

"The one thing I want to achieve, is to set up a kids academy. We want local talent, not just great players from abroad.

"The US team the way they have improved has been incredible and the only way that will continue is to have good academies."

Beckham's long-time business partner Simon Fuller was the only other person confirmed as a member of the ownership group.

However, it is still being rumoured that NBA star LeBron James and musicians Jay-Z and Beyonce may be involved.

Beckham represented Manchester United and Real Madrid during his stellar playing career before moving to LA Galaxy in 2007.

He enjoyed two loan spells at AC Milan while plying his trade in the US and then spent a short stint at PSG before quitting the game last summer.