David Beckham's newest challenge will take place in Paris, France.
After nearly signing with Paris St. Germain a year ago before opting to return to the LA Galaxy, the former Galaxy midfielder has joined the French giants on a five-month deal. During that time, Beckham’s entire salary will be donated to a local children’s charity.
“I chose here because I can see what the club are trying to do, the players they're bringing in,” said Beckham in front of a packed press conference at PSG's Parc des Princes stadium. “I won't receive any salary, we have decided my salary will go towards a local children's charity in Paris and that is one of the things we are very excited and proud to do…I am very lucky to have earned what I have earned throughout my career."
At PSG, Beckham will be reunited with head coach Carlo Ancelotti and director of football Leonardo who served as the managers of AC. Milan during Beckham’s loans to the Italian outfit in 2009 and 2010. Beckham joins PSG’s cavalcade of stars which includes Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimović, Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, and Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore among many others.
"I'm pleased to be able to welcome David Beckham to our club," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said during the press conference. "He will be joining us for five months until June 30."
During the press conference, the 37-year-old Englishman—who is now the oldest player in the French Ligue 1—deflected any speculation that he would retire after his contract with PSG ends. Beckham did state however, that he was still committed to serving as an ambassador for MLS despite his departure, but offered no indication on when he may choose to invest in MLS.
“Who knows. I was part of MLS for six years with huge success off the field and in the last three years, we had huge success on the field. I will continue to be an ambassador for football in America," Beckham said. "I enjoyed living there, my family enjoyed living there and it was something that was very special for us over those years. I always said to my commitment to football in the United States will continue. I will continue to be an ambassador there and if I can grow the game in other places than great.”
Watch the entire press conference below…
