Proud Beckham seeking his first MLS title in possible U.S. farewell

Five years after arriving in Los Angeles, superstar David Beckham is proud of the part he has played in developing American soccer.

The former England captain could line up in a Galaxy shirt for the last time in Sunday’s MLS Cup final against Houston Dynamo, with his $32.5 million contract about to expire.

The 36-year-old signed from nine-time European champions Real Madrid in 2007 with the aim of helping increase Major League Soccer’s profile.

“It’s something that I wanted to be part of,” the 36-year-old told CNN ahead of the match at Galaxy’s Home Depot Center. “I’m proud to be part of and to see the rise of this game. It’s a game that I’ve loved for many, many years.

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“In the last five years it’s surprised me how quickly it’s grown and how much it’s grown. Attendances are up, they’re now rivaling the NHL and the NBA, and I’m proud to be part of that.

“I think every trophy that I’ve won over the years has meant so much to me. No matter where I’ve played, every time you reach a cup final it’s any kids dream to do that. So getting to the MLS Cup final is very important.”

Beckham was part of the team which suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Real Salt Lake in the 2009 title decider, while last year Galaxy lost in the Western Conference final.

“I always want to be successful and winning on Sunday would add to that,” he said. “But it’s a tough job ahead of us. Houston are a good team, we’re aware of what they can do and what they can’t do. It’s going to be a difficult one.”

The former Manchester United midfielder has been linked with a host of European clubs as he seeks to win a place in Great Britain’s squad for the 2012 Olympics, but insisted he is yet to make a decision on his future.

“I’m 36 years old, people are saying that I’m coming to the end of my career, which at 36 you usually are,” he said.

“But it’s always nice to be wanted, and to be wanted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe. I’m honored to still be wanted, but right now I’m a Galaxy player.

“I always said that, and the end of this season I will sit down and talk with my family, see how I am physically, what I think I can still achieve and play at the top level. I haven’t made any decision and I won’t till after Christmas probably.”

Next year London will become the first city to host the Olympic Games three times, with the newly-built Olympic Stadium located in the same east London area where Beckham was raised.

Beckham was a key ambassador when the UK successfully bid for the rights in 2005, and has made no secret of his desire to be part of the first British football team to play at the four-yearly event since 1960.

“When I was asked to become an ambassador for the Olympics and try to bring it to our country, I was honored,” he said.

“To be a proud Englishman, to get the Olympics in a part of London where I grew up, it was something that I loved being part of.

“I’d love to be part of that. Whether I’ll be playing, an ambassador or just taking my sons, daughter and wife to watch it. Whatever happens I’ll be there.”