Former LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena has credited David Beckham with “saving” the MLS.
The English legend orchestrated one of the most famous transfers in football history when he left Real Madrid for the Galaxy in 2007.
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Beckham, then 32 years old and far from retired, was the first global superstar to compete in MLS at the peak of his powers.
This dramatically raised the league’s profile – but the move was in danger of falling through after a rocky start.
In 2009, two years after his move, Beckham completed a controversial loan deal with AC Milan and played for the Italian giants in the first half of the MLS season.
READ MORE ABOUT DAVID BECKHAM
The legendary winger tried to leave the club permanently but failed – and returned to intense backlash from angry Galaxy fans.
Arena, who was Beckham’s manager in the United States for all but one season, was confused by the situation at the time.
However, Beckham delivered significant success in LA, culminating in two MLS Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2012 and 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 at Inter Miami, whose ranks include Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
And Arena believes Beckham may have saved MLS.
He told The Pitch Prospect: “Beckham was great… I mean Beckham probably saved the league in a lot of ways in my opinion.”
Arena continued: “I replaced Ruud Gullit at the Galaxy and David was there. I think when I arrived in 2008 he wasn’t a happy footballer.”
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“And I think he wanted to go somewhere else because he didn’t believe in it… I think moving from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy was a big change.”
“But he persevered. And he wouldn’t be where he is today if he hadn’t lasted six years in the MLS.”
“And now he has the opportunity to become an owner. He’s doing a fantastic job at Inter Miami.”
“And obviously Messi is the talk of our league at the moment.”
Arena is currently in talks to become the new manager of MLS team 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.
Still, Arena believes Manchester City superstar De Bruyne would be a significant coup for the MLS.
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“I mean, if they come here with the right attitude, I think that’s a real plus. I met De Bruyne a few times,” Arena said.
“He is an outstanding person. If he decides to come here, I think he will have the right attitude and bring a lot to the league.”
“I think Messi did a great job. Zlatan.” [Ibrahimovic] did a great job.
“Robbie Keane was here and did an excellent job. So the contribution of these types of players is huge.”
“So I think it’s only positive for MLS.”
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