DAVID BECKHAM is staying in Los Angeles for another two years after signing a new contract with the Galaxy on Wednesday.

    The 36-year-old former England captain signed the two-year deal with the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) club after turning down a chance to move back to Europe with Paris Saint-Germain.

    “This was an important decision for me,” Beckham said. “I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I’m still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy.”

    The midfielder joined the Galaxy in 2007 from Real Madrid with a US$32.5 million, five-year contract. But he didn’t lift his first trophy in the United States until the Galaxy won the MLS Cup in November.

    Beckham, who started his career at Manchester United, opted against moving to France or returning to the English Premier League because his family is settled in California.

    He is targeting a spot in Britain’s Olympic soccer team at the London Games by playing regularly for the Galaxy.

    “I’ve seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I’m as committed as ever to growing the game here,” Beckham said. “My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here.”

    The Galaxy, though, knows how close they came to losing the player who gives the team international fame.

    “I am thrilled that David has chosen to rejoin the Galaxy, especially as he had numerous options where he could continue his career,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said.

    It is a jersey that the Galaxy said is the best-selling in the MLS and “one of the best in the world.”

    Beckham’s deal was negotiated by Simon Fuller, the creator of reality TV hit “American Idol,” who is the player’s business partner and manager.

    “When David and I discussed making the move from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy back in 2007, our minds were firmly focused on the massive opportunity of helping to grow soccer in the United States,” Fuller said.

    (SD-Agencies)