MLS title joy for Beckham but no word on his future

David Beckham helped lead the LA Galaxy to his first MLS title with a 1-0 win over Houston Dynamo but refused to be drawn on his future with his contract soon to run out.

Beckham’s five-year contract with the Galaxy finishes after an upcoming Asian end-of-season tour but he has not ruled out signing a new deal with the club despite interest from big-spending French side Paris St Germain and a clutch English teams.

“Whether I stay or not, I’ve had an amazing five years,” he said. “I’m not in a rush to decide what happens.”

Beckham was a big part of the win, helping set up Landon Donovan for the goal despite battling a hamstring injury. He showed the kind of commitment to his team that many pundits have questioned over the years. Beckham was criticised by fans for making loan moves to Italy’s AC Milan during two off-seasons, as well as his previous failure to deliver on the promise of championships.

However, such talk was muted as a grinning Beckham celebrated the MLS crown in front of an adoring Galaxy crowd. “This was a special year and I’m so happy to have been a part of this,” the former Manchester United player said. “It’s always nice to have doubters along the way, and it’s nice to prove them wrong.”

Galaxy coach Bruce Arena added: “I’ve been around great athletes in different sports and this guy is as good as they come.”