Beckham to leave Real and sign for LA Galaxy

MADRID, Jan 11 (Reuters) Former England captain David Beckham will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal for MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy, he told Reuters today.

The 31-year-old, who joined Real from Manchester United in June 2003, is the most famous player to sign up for Major League Soccer since it began in 1996.

''This week Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract for a further two seasons,'' Beckham told Reuters.

''After discussing several options with my family and my advisors to either stay here in Madrid or join other major British and European teams I have decided to join LA Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.'' REUTERS PDS BD2055