His five-year deal with the team, one of three MLS franchises owned by AEG, is believed to be for around $10 million a year. His representatives have said that outside endorsements could run the total worth of the package to $250 million.

Beckham mentioned that he has watched Cobi Jones play in the World Cup and now he will line up beside him with the Galaxy.

Jones, still a solid player at 36, believes Beckham will have a positive impact on his teammates.

“I know if I’m running around the field with a David Beckham, I want to impress him,” Jones said. “I want him to go, ‘Hey, this guy is good.’ I think it’s going to give us a credibility and a perspective.

“A lot of people don’t have a perspective of how good these guys in the MLS are,” he said.

Though he won’t immediately be besieged as he is in Europe, he has been gaining attention in the United States since the movie “Bend It Like Beckham.”

“I came to L.A. about four years ago, and I was walking around and I got a few people coming up to me and recognizing me,” Beckham said. “But then I went back about a year ago, and when I looked out the window in the house I was staying in and there were forty-five paparazzi cars outside.

“I realize I’m not as recognized in the U.S. as I am around Europe, around other parts of the world. But hopefully, playing for the Galaxy will change that. “

Slide show   Week in Sports Pictures Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more. more photos

His friendship with Cruise and Holmes should make adjusting to life in Los Angeles easier for him and his wife.

“That’s going to be a big help to us, to have friends when we arrive in L.A.,” Beckham said. “I talked with him for about an hour last night and an hour the night before.

“I told him there might be an announcement, and asked him for his advice, as well. He’s a very wise man and a very good friend of mine. To have his experience and have him explain some things to me, that’s a big favor. He couldn’t speak any higher than what he was saying about LA.”

Beckham said his wife and their three children aren’t packed yet, and added with a grin, “It might take a while with Victoria.”

The former Posh Spice has been know for her varied and fashionable wardrobe.

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