Beckham to join French team, pledges salary to charity
International soccer star David Beckham joined Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday on a five-month contract and has vowed to donate his salary to a children's charity.
Beckham announced the deal after passing a physical in Paris. He chose France after numerous offers from around the world. PSG plays in the Champions League knockout stage and the 37-year-old is now poised to win a league title in a fourth country.
"It's something I'm excited about, and now it has finally happened," Beckham told reporters during his introductory news conference. "I am very lucky because I got more offers than I had in my career. I chose Paris because I can see what the club is trying to do. Now there is a club that is going to have a lot of success over the next 10, 15, 20 years. To be part of something with this growth is exciting to me."
No details were provided regarding how much Beckham will earn or which charity will receive the money.
"It's something we (decided) together; it's one of the things we talked about from the start. But this all happened so quick," Beckham said. "I thought what a great idea it would be, that the salary would go to a children's charity in Paris."
Beckham is also familiar with PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti and director Leonardo from their time at AC Milan.
Beckham received 12 formal offers, including clubs in South America, North America, South Africa, Russia, China and the Middle East. He ended his six-year stint with Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy in December.
During his stellar career, Beckham has won titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid and the Galaxy.
"Every club I have played for throughout the world, I have been successful with," he said. "I have been successful with Manchester United, and I have always said that I would never want to play for another English club," Beckham said. "It's the team that I support, that I always dreamt of playing for."
