Alexei Lalas believes Los Angeles Galaxy's signing of
David Beckham is a 'watershed' moment for football in the United
States.
Beckham has signed a lucrative deal to move to Major League Soccer
when his Real Madrid contract expires in the summer.
He will become the league's most high-profile, and highest-paid,
player, with Galaxy president Lalas hailing the coup.
"We're so excited about it," said Lalas on Sky Sports News. "It's a
wonderful opportunity for us and it's a wonderful, watershed moment
for Los Angeles Galaxy, for Major League Soccer and for soccer in
the United States.
"We look forward to having him here in Los Angeles playing in the
Home Depot Center.
"It's just a great day for our organisation."
Lalas is aware of the impact Beckham's signing will have on the
club's merchandising arm, but also hopes the former England captain
will have a positive influence on the pitch.
He added: "We want to be viewed, not just as the premier soccer
club in the United States, but one of the premier clubs in the
world.
"We believe this is part of it. You have to bring in quality
players and, first and foremost in this decision, is David Beckham
going to help us on the soccer field?
"We believe he is. He is a player in the prime of his career, he
has played for two of the greatest clubs in the world, at a high
level, for a long time.
"We wouldn't have done this deal if we didn't feel he was going to
come in, individually and collectively, to help our team.
"The business part of this is evident, to many it's obvious, but my
complete and utter focus is to make sure we have a quality team to
surround him with when he comes in."