Beckham will join French club PSG

[January 31, 2013]  LONDON (AP) -- David Beckham will join Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, opting for a move to France after mulling over lucrative offers from around the world since leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The 37-year-old Beckham was to undergo a medical examination in the French capital before being officially presented as PSG's latest recruit, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not yet been completed.

PSG would only confirm that a new a player would be attending a news conference at 11 a.m. EST on Thursday.

PSG's Qatari-owners have invested more than $300 million in players since buying the club in 2011. But Beckham was available on a free transfer after he ended his six-year stint in the United States with a second MLS Cup title last month.

At PSG, Beckham will be hoping to win a league title in a fourth country, having already enjoyed success at Manchester United and Real Madrid in Europe before moving to Major League Soccer.

Beckham had been close to joining PSG last January, but rejected a deal worth about $12 million per year to stay in California for one more season.

Now, though, Beckham and his family have moved back to London, which is a short flight or train ride from Paris.

Beckham made 115 appearances for England, a record for a player other than a goalkeeper.

[Associated Press; By ROB HARRIS]

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