Beckham makes Galaxy debut
2007-07-22 10:45
Carson - David Beckham made
his long-awaited debut for Los Angeles Galaxy in front of a
capacity crowd when he came on as a substitute in the 78th
minute of Saturday's exhibition match against Chelsea.
The England midfielder, who has been struggling to recover
from an injury to his left ankle, was cheered loudly by the
27 000 fans at the Home Depot Centre as he ran on to the pitch
in place of striker Alan Gordon.
Although his new team were beaten 1-0 by the FA Cup
holders, Beckham was delighted to launch his much-trumpeted
American adventure by playing a late cameo role in front of a
packed stadium that included several Hollywood stars.
"It was very emotional," the former England captain told
reporters after 12 minutes of action that featured a few deft
touches, a tumble as he tried to evade a tackle by Chelsea's
Steve Sidwell and a late corner kick.
"The reaction to me if I even take off my top or kick the
ball has been incredible, it made me feel a bit embarrassed at
times. I really wanted to be out there tonight with all the
attention. It is a great day for the club."
His problem ankle was another matter, though.
"I'm not fit and I haven't trained since I have been out
here," Beckham said. "The ankle is swollen and we'll see how it
is tomorrow. It is not going to go away for a week or so but
it's making progress, it's not a serious injury."
Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas told ESPN
television: "It is a long-term process and we want to make sure
David is 100%.
'Everyone will see David'
"We have games next week, next month and over the next five
years. Everyone will get their chance to see David Beckham here
and across the country."
Signed by the Galaxy from Real Madrid on a $32.5m
five-year deal, Beckham had been one of seven substitutes named
for the match by Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop.
His pop star wife Victoria watched the action from a
corporate suite accompanied by her actress friend Katie Holmes,
wife of Tom Cruise.
Other celebrities in the crowd included Californian
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, US actresses Eva Longoria and
Jennifer Love Hewitt and English actors John Hurt and Ray
Winstone.
After Beckham sat down next to his fellow substitutes, he
was encircled by around 100 photographers desperate to record
the moment.
Beckham twisted his ankle playing for his country against
Estonia in a Euro 2008 qualifying match last month.
He aggravated it in his final appearance for Real 11 days
later when his former team clinched the Spanish league title.
Saturday's game, a sell-out, was the Galaxy's
second-highest grossing fixture since the MLS side hosted Real
a year ago, with Beckham playing for the opposition.
- Reuters