Beckham's new Miami MLS team a 'dream come true'
Miami had a team in the league a few decades ago before it failed but David Beckham says he can make his team the best.
Tuesday 30 January 2018 05:20, UK
David Beckham has finally realised his dream of a Major League Soccer franchise.
Beckham, one of England's greatest footballers, will be one of the owners of Miami's new team, which was confirmed at an event in the city on Monday.
He told the crowd: "People say this is a city that is built on dreams.
"Today you made my dream come true."
The move is the culmination of many years' work for Beckham, and he admitted that there had been "many bumps" along the way.
He first announced his plans for a team in the South Florida city four years ago, acting on the right to a discounted franchise which was part of the deal that brought him to play in the US in 2007.
:: As it happened: Beckham announces new Major League Soccer team
However, he has faced a number of obstacles since then, including the search for a venue and for investors to back the team.
But he said: "I don't give up", adding that, once he had been awarded the team, "there was only one city for me and it was here.
"I was drawn to this city for the same reasons millions of people are - the diversity, the culture, the people, the weather, the beaches."
:: As it happened: Beckham says new MLS team 'a dream come true'
It has been reported that the franchise rights will cost Beckham $25m (£18m), well below the market rate (the owners of Los Angeles FC, which joins MLS in March, reportedly paid $100m).
Beckham heads a group of owners that include his manager Simon Fuller and businessmen Marcelo Claure, Masayoshi Sun and Jorge and Jose Mas.
The latest plan for the team's home ground is a six-acre site in the Overtown area.
Many other details are yet to be announced, however, including the team's name, colours, its debut date and players.
These would be confirmed "in the future", according to a statement from MLS.
Beckham, who started his career with Manchester United, said that he had had calls from many "top European players" wanting to be part of the team, but added that his priority would be "the home-grown talent".