David Beckham statue: Former LA Galaxy star honoured ahead of new MLS season

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David Beckham thanked Los Angeles and described former club LA Galaxy as his "family" at the unveiling of his statue on Saturday.

Beckham is the first MLS player to be honoured in such a way, with the statue erected outside Dignity Health Sports Park and unveiled before Galaxy's Major League Soccer season opener against the Chicago Fire.

The former England captain made 122 appearances for the Galaxy between 2007 and 2013, winning two MLS Cups, having become the first European superstar to move Stateside.

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder's move boosted MLS popularity and paving the way for other global stars to make the leap, such as Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Didier Drogba.

"Our city, our home," Beckham said before LA Galaxy's season-opener against the Chicago Fire.

AP

"From day one when my family arrived in this city, we felt at home and for that we will be forever grateful. When I talk about LA Galaxy and when I talk about LA, I talk about it as family because it is a big family."

He added: "Taking care of the next generation of soccer stars in this country is really important and we did it in a community that really needed support and a safe environment for children."

Getty Images

Former Galaxy team-mate Robbie Keane paid tribute to Beckham, saying: "The David Beckham the public know is a global superstar and icon throughout the world. But the one I know is even better."

Retired NBA star Kobe Bryant also sent a tribute. "He was the first truly big name to come to the states and really draw attention to the sport," he said.

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