Real Salt Lake: New stadium impresses Beckham
With the stadium now 70 percent complete and on schedule for an early October opening, Beckham made his second-ever appearance in Sandy during Friday's stadium press conference and was pleased with what he saw.
"I'm very proud to be here, very proud to be representing the Galaxy," said the L.A. midfielder, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Friday. "I'm very proud to be here two years after when I first heard the plans and saw what was going to be built. It looked special then and it looks even more special now.
"You've got a passionate team and a very passionate manager that will make this stadium proud," he said.
Friday's press conference was not only a chance to introduce Beckham to the local media, but former RSL player Chris Klein was also on hand to talk to the media as was MLS commissioner Don Garber — who was given a guided tour of the stadium by RSL owner Dave Checketts afterward.
"The last 13 years we've rapidly been developing our country into one that can stand tall with all other soccer or football nations throughout the world," said Garber. "Part of what's been driving this success is the work and commitment of visionary people ... Dave Checketts is a great example of that."
Not surprisingly, the bulk of Friday's press conference involved a Q&A with Beckham and local reporters.
Looking back on his injury-plagued first season in MLS last summer, Beckham admits he probably never should've played at about 50 percent fitness. He's feeling much better a year later and believes it's making a difference on the pitch.
"Coming in this season I'm a lot happier, a lot fitter," he said. "I've been able to get on the field with the guys in training and that helps in match situations. So far I'm enjoying it."
It's been easy for Beckham to settle into things in Southern California with four straight home games in April, but he says he's looking forward to hitting the road beginning tonight.
"It's always nice going to opposing stadiums, because you have that banter of the fans that like to abuse in a certain way and that's always nice ... that's part of soccer and that's what makes it so interesting for people to watch around the world," said Beckham.
Asked about the expectations surrounding him in MLS, Beckham said they're entirely justified. By playing for European super clubs Manchester United and Real Madrid, he knows he's set the bar high for himself and hopes to continue to elevate his game in Major League Soccer.
"I know I'm in the limelight and it's about controlling that. At the end of the day it's most important what I do on the field," said Beckham.
E-mail: jedward@desnews.com
Recent comments
SRS, you won't be paying a penny for this. Do some research.
Andrew | May 3, 2008 at 11:35 p.m.
Soccer, a joke? Doing some quick math, the global soccer industry...
Eddie | May 3, 2008 at 8:51 p.m.
I agree, anyone with any knowledge regarding the deal with the stadium...
TKB | May 3, 2008 at 4:34 p.m.
