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"There has been much speculation in the past four months on where David was going to play and we did not get caught up in this and remained focused on re-signing him," said Tim Leiweke, president of team owner Anschutz Entertainment Group. "David had many options and we are pleased he felt comfortable, not only with our organization but also with Los Angeles, and will remain an important part of our club, our AEG family and our city."
The talks with Leiweke intensified after Beckham turned down PSG's offer at the start of January, with Beckham represented by manager and business partner, Simon Fuller, the creator of reality TV hit "American Idol."
"When David and I discussed making the move from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy back in 2007, our minds were firmly focused on the massive opportunity of helping to grow soccer in the United States," Fuller said. "We have made great progress over the past five years in raising the profile of soccer domestically and the MLS on a worldwide stage, and we are encouraged by all the results."
From having 12 teams in 2006, the MLS now boasts a league with 19 sides while nine new football specific grounds have been built during Beckham's first five years.
"Clearly this is an ongoing mission and this new deal confirms our commitment to continuing our journey and making sure the world's biggest sport, soccer, continues to grow in the world's most passionate sports loving nation, the USA," Fuller said.
[Associated Press;
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