As Ramon Calderon rues letting the former England captain leave the Bernabeu, a budding soccer nation waits for Becks and his socialite wife. The ticket packages are ready to land on doormats for the soon-to-be American spectacle David Beckham. A host of Los Angeles Galaxy friendlies have been confirmed or are in the works. Beckham ads have popped up all over the place. It seems America is ready to welcome Beckham with open arms, sighing a bit of relief that those financing the deal swear it's not a break-the-bank NASL move. Watching him against Real Zaragoza playing on a semi-functional ankle, the in-form Beckham has regained the trust of club and country, a trust that has wavered on and off for years. His performances of late can be equated to the phenomenon heavily present in baseball – the 'contract year'. His results and spirited play can be chalked up to the fact that Beckham knows he is on his way out, not to mention his need to prove his worth to Real Madrid and their faithful. Since the form returned, Real Madrid’s loyalty has all of a sudden been rekindled. It has now, ostensibly, turned into the hopes of a Los Angeles club and growing soccer nation versus a now faithful Real Madrid front office. Madrid are wavering at their decision to let him go so easily and, apparently, if necessary, there is a clause within his existing contract that would allow club president Ramon Calderon to renew the once-bitter battle for his signature. Meanwhile, Major League Soccer, Los Angeles Galaxy, and some would say American soccer, wait impatiently for his arrival while unveiling price-efficient ticket packages, a string of friendlies and cultivating an already existing adoration for the Beckhams. Victoria has already appeared at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards, with David himself appearing on Good Morning America and other various promotional appearances. The take on Beckham, worldwide, is that he is truly a stand-up guy with one hell of a foot. His media-expressed character leads me to believe that he will see out his contract as the wheels are turning rapidly for the development of American soccer. It has been a season of firsts for the MLS: a strategic partnership with the German Bundesliga, another with Google’s YouTube, a highly successful franchise across the northern border in Toronto, not to mention the signing of other high-profile stars like Juan Pablo Angel, Cuauhetomac Blanco, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto. Beckham is aware of these developments and should certainly fulfil his commitments. Essentially, it is the hearts of a developing soccer nation against the ever-changing hearts of Real Madrid supporters and critics worldwide. A few cogs have been thrown into that wheel, even though they should never been treated as such. Beckham’s reinvigorated play for Real Madrid in La Liga has led to his call-up once again by Steve McClaren to the English national squad. Many of England’s fixtures fall on the dates of MLS matches and Los Angeles general manager Alexi Lalas has already issued a stern warning saying country comes before club. The truth of it is, however, how many years Beckham has left in the highly-scrutinised environment that is La Liga – on the field as well as off it. His decision is made – as an American, I am happy about it. The criticism is all warranted and probably expected as the Beckhams eventually make their jump to the United States. Beckham was run out of Madrid, not the other way around. If many people’s judge of character turns out to be sorely mistaken, what happens then – the Galaxy refunds millions of dollars worth of tickets? Beckham knows what is at stake. I hope.
