Beckham to Leave Real Madrid

Former England captain David Beckham will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Los Angeles Galaxy, he told the media on Thursday.

"This week Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract for a further two seasons," Beckham said.

"After discussing several options with my family and my advisers to either stay here in Madrid or join other major British and European teams, I have decided to join LA Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.

"I would like to thank supporters and the people of Madrid who have made my family and I so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.

"I have enjoyed my time here enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me an opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans."