British media in Beckham cash frenzy

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-01-12 09:24

LONDON, Jan 12 - British media went cash crazy on Friday as they toyed with the figures David Beckham will earn after he moves to LA Galaxy and a new life.

A video image taken in an undisclosed location in Spain and released by U.S. soccer team Los Angeles Galaxy shows Real Madrid player David Beckham speaking about his move to the club January 11, 2007.
A video image taken in an undisclosed location in Spain and released by U.S. soccer team Los Angeles Galaxy shows Real Madrid player David Beckham speaking about his move to the club January 11, 2007. [Reuters]
The Daily Express said the 31-year-old former England captain had signed "the most mind-boggling contract in global sport".

The Sun quoted Jonathan Woodgate, a former England and Real Madrid team mate of Beckham's, as forecasting the midfielder's move would open up the floodgates for other top players.

The paper said Beckham aimed to tempt former Real team-mates Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Luis Figo to join him in the U.S.

It devoted eight pages to the player's move, including the front which calculated that his estimated 128 million pounds ($247.6 million) five-year deal would work out at 50 pounds ($96) a minute.

The Daily Telegragh said the deal would help put Beckham's earning power on a par with the biggest names in American sport.

The Star forecast the former Manchester United man would become bigger than Pele who also played in the U.S. after coming out of retirement in 1975.

The Guardian said Beckham would breathe new life into a league that desperately needs a filip.



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