Ex-LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena has credited David Beckham with ‘saving’ MLS.
The England legend staged one of the most famous transfers in football history when he left Real Madrid for the Galaxy in 2007.
Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy made headlines around the globeGetty Images – Getty
Beckham, who was 32 at the time and far from washed up, became the first global superstar to compete in MLS at the peak of their powers.
It raised the profile of the league dramatically – but the move threatened to unravel after a shaky start.
In 2009, two years into the move, Beckham struck a controversial loan deal with AC Milan, playing for the Italian giants during the first half of the MLS season.
The iconic winger tried and failed to leave permanently – and returned to a fierce backlash from furious Galaxy fans.
Arena, who was Beckham’s manager in America for all-but one season, was among those confused by the situation at the time.
However, Beckham went on to inspire significant success in LA, culminating in two MLS Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2012, ensuring he left the States as a club legend.
Now, the 49-year-old is reaping the rewards of his efforts across the pond with a successful MLS franchise in Inter Miami, who boast Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez among their ranks.
And Arena believes Beckham may have saved MLS.
He told talkSPORT: “Beckham has been a great… I mean, Beckham probably, in my view, in a lot of ways, saved the league.”
Arena continued: “I replaced Ruud Gullit at the Galaxy and David was there. I think when I came in in 2008, he was not a happy footballer.
Beckham’s American dream has been taken to the next level in recent monthsinstagram
“And I think he was looking to go elsewhere because he didn’t believe… I think the change from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy was a big change.
“But he hung in there. And he wouldn’t be where he is today if it wasn’t for him hanging in for six years in MLS.
“And now he has the opportunity to be an owner. He’s doing a fantastic job with Inter Miami.
“And obviously Messi is the big talk in our league at the moment.”
Arena is currently in talks to become the new manager of MLS side San Jose Earthquakes.
Big-name players continue to be linked with lucrative moves to MLS, including Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar, although America now faces competition from Saudi Arabia.
Nevertheless, Arena believes Manchester City superstar De Bruyne would be a significant coup for the MLS.
De Bruyne is out of contract next summerGetty
“I mean, if they come here with the right attitude, I think it’s a real plus. I’ve met De Bruyne a couple of times,” Arena said.
“He’s an outstanding person. If he decides to come here, I think he’ll have the right attitude and bring a lot to the league.
“I think Messi’s done a fabulous job. Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] has done a great job.
“Robbie Keane was here and did an outstanding job. So the contributions from those type of players is huge.
“So I think it’s only a positive to MLS.”
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