Beckham Refuses To Apologize To Galaxy Fans

Beckham is back in MLS and says he owes no apologies.

Jul 16, 2009 4:31:01 PM

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David Beckham unveiled by Los Angeles Galaxy, LA (PA)

NEW YORK – Although Wednesday’s press conference was supposed to be pregame hype for Thursday’s New York Red Bulls-Los Angeles Galaxy game, everyone in attendance knew there was only one thing to talk about: David Beckham.

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Surrounded by controversy in the wake of a scathing new book that documents the internal politics, superstar tensions, and general malaise at the Galaxy since Beckham’s arrival, Beckham answered the journalists’ questions and did his best to seem nonplussed by any of the turmoil.

 

Beckham’s commitment to the Galaxy was questioned repeatedly, to which he responded by using some form of the word “commit” 17 times during the half-hour press conference. His constant avowals raised the question: Doth he protest too much?

 

Pointing to his AC Milan loan—a deal orchestrated by the player’s management team originally without the knowledge of the Galaxy—several observers wondered aloud how he could claim he was committed to the MLS club that owns his contract when his actions appear in opposition to this. He has missed the first half of the MLS season. Does he owe an apology to the Galaxy fans?

 

“No, not at all,” he replied. “I think what [the fans] have seen is I’m very dedicated to the Galaxy. I’m dedicated to the fans. I’ve always been very positive and very honest with my play here. I don’t feel as if I owe an apology, but I don’t know.”

 

Beckham admitted he will probably go out on loan again next offseason, most likely missing the first half of the 2010 season as he attempts to make the England squad for next summer’s World Cup. There has been speculation that he might not return at that point, either by transferring in January or after the World Cup. But he pointed to his return this year as evidence of his commitment.

 

“I said to the players and the manager, I would be coming back,” he said. “Maybe one or two didn’t believe me. But at the end of the day, I’m here. I’m committed to the team. And we’ll see what the first game back will be like.”

 

 Greg Lalas, Goal.com

 

For more on the Beckham saga visit Goal.com's MLS page.

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