David Beckham may have retired from professional soccer, but his impact on the sport -- and its growth in the United States -- is far from over.
The former English national team captain, who played for the Los Angeles Galaxy on and off from 2007 to 2012, joined MLS commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez at a press conference on Wednesday in Miami.
There was considerable anticipation throughout the city, which last had an MLS team (the Miami Fusion) from 1998 through 2001 before that franchise folded. Below is a video of the considerable media and fan presence at Beckham's press conference.
Beckham took questions from reporters on a variety of topics. He assured Miami residents that the franchise would not be asking for public funding and noted that city officials have promised the stadium will be downtown. In the clip below the 38-year-old talks about the need for investors, not just wealthy individuals but people with a passion for the game. One name that's been brought up as a possible investor, as reported by the Associated Press, is Miami Heat superstar LeBron James.
Beyond investors, Miami's MLS team will need passionate fans, something that the Marlins have lacked in recent years. Perhaps as a demonstration of loyalty, and also to take in the scene, a group of diehard soccer fans showed up at the press conferences with some nifty chants.
