..Going Beck to Cali, Cali....

Actually, I think so! Thanks for helping with the intro LL.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, David “Becks” Beckham, has jumped out of the tailspinning plane that is Real Madrid, pulled the cord on his new golden parachute, and landed in sunny L.A. Remember, you heard it here first folks (well, you heard it here awhile ago)! Anyway, the 31 year old midfielder has signed a new lucrative contract worth an estimated £128 m over 5 years. This number is heavily laden with incentives, endorsements, etc. but if he were to get everything possible out of it, that would translate to nearly $1m a week. Not a bad chunk of change.

Now, old Golden Balls can’s spit without causing a storm of controversy, and this move is ripe with it. First, the management isn’t too pleased with Becks’ new deal to say the least. True, this is the January transfer window and since he is out of contract this summer he is eligible to talk to other clubs. But, Real president Calderon, for some strange reason, doesn’t think that Beckham and co. were able to put together such an extensive contract in the opening two weeks of January. This means he was negotiating with another club out of the transfer window, which is a big no-no. Also unhappy is coach Fabio Capello who thinks that David’s head isn’t in the right place and has said he won’t play for Real again this season. Not that Capello picked him for many matches so far, but now his pine riding is assured.

Then there are the football pundits and talking heads who feel Beckham has sold out and went for the last pig payday instead of trying to play top flight football. They may have a point, but so what. I am sure the money is a wonderful thing (one weeks wages from him would change my life!) but he is in essence a footballer. At times an overhyped footballer, but much better than me and many others. In the last year he got knocked out of the World Cup after a dismal England display, he gave up the England captaincy, he lost his spot in the England squad, and now is no longer starting at Real. So, if he wanted to play first team football, where would he have gone? There are rumors that many of the Premier League sides wanted him, but after he long run with Manchester United, I don’t think he would have wanted to go back to England. Bundesliga? I doubt it, but maybe. Another Spanish side? They wouldn’t want to pay his wages. And a Serie A side in Italy? Possibly, but again his wages would be very high and it wouldn’t be assured he was a starter. South America? They tend to export players and have much lower payscales than Europe. Australia? Hah! Asia? Posh isn’t having that for sure. So it boils down to the U.S. and in L.A. he and Posh can live it up and have BBQ’s at the Cruise’s house.

I’m sure there is a bit of both sides in his decision to come to the U.S., but is it really important? Though he is way too flash and, in my opinion, being paid WAY too much, hopefully he can do some good to US soccer. He already has a soccer academy in L.A. and will be a very recognizable figure to youths all over the country. He can do a lot to promote the game and get media attention for the sport just because of his name. In essence, Alexi Lalas and the Galaxy (and the MLS as well) have purchased a big name spokesman. So if it drives increased interest in the league and the sport, good. The sport could use it. Now if we can only get the rest of the players pay up and the clubs to develop youth academies instead of relying on college soccer, then we might be getting somewhere. Baby steps though.

In Arsenal news, the Gunners have been tearing things up lately with a run of bashings in the north of England last week. First, the Gunners took on Liverpool at Anfield in the FA Cup and trounced them 3-1. Then, the boys returned a few days later for a Carling Cup semi-final. You’d think that the scousers would be looking for revenge and would take advantage of Wenger’s decision to continue with a young squad made up mostly of reserve players. Well, Julio Baptista had other plans and scored 4 of Arsenal’s 6 goals to really shame ‘pool. Finally, last weekend the crew loaded up for a trip to Blackburn to face a squad that we demolished 6-2 at the Grove a few weeks ago. Blackburn, who are known for rough play and are tough at home, seemed to have the upper hand after Gilberto was sent off on a straight red for kicking out at arsehole Savage (who gave Gil a few knocks) and it looked like the Gunners brilliant run might be over. But once again, the new-found Gunner spirit showed through and Arsenal won it 2-0 off a nice header from Toure and another brilliant goal from Henry. The league title is most likely out of the question, but this play can help instill a sense of team cohesion and confidence that will carry on to the Cup competitions and into the next season. I think Arsenal are going to be very deadly next year against an ageing Man U and a Chelsea that are coming apart at the seams.

There is loads more to discuss, but we’ll handle that later this week. My traveling is dying down so I have more time to waste time at work!

Adios.