David Beckham -- the new star of the L.A. Galaxy of Major League Soccer -- has his mission: To turn the United States into a soccer nation.
That message dominated the soccer icon's first press conference on the field of the Home Depot Center -- the home of the L.A Galaxy.
"We are here to witness this historic event, not just for the Galaxy but for major league soccer and for the sport of soccer in the United States," said Alexi Lalas, president and general manager of the L.A. Galaxy.
Rising from his podium chair, a shower of ticker tapes tumbled onto Beckham's shoulders as he picked up his team jersey and flashed its words 'Beckham 23' for photographers.
"I've always looked for challenges in my career and something exciting in my life," Beckham told the thunderous crowds.
Calling family, not soccer, the most important thing in his life, Beckham said, "In our life everything is perfect."
"This is one of the biggest challenges I've taken on in my career--to move to a different country on the other side of the world. I think potentially in the states soccer could be as big as it is everywhere else around the world. I am very proud I'm going to be part of that for the next five years and maybe a few years more later."
Anxious to starting team training and play his first game, the superstar athlete thanked "Everybody for making this happen and making my dream come true."
Beckham, who has returned to the England lineup after initially being dropped following the 2006 World Cup, is scheduled to make about US $32.5 million over five years with the Galaxy and millions more in endorsement deals.
"The real impact of David coming here today is about what will not be experienced today but what will be experienced tomorrow," said Commissioner Don Garber, who hopes the US league will evolve into one of the world's best.
To date Beckham-mania is responsible for a quarter of million team sweaters selling out in just a few days.
Dressed in a pink cap sleeved dress and carrying a lady-like pink tote, Beckham's wife Victoria for photographers before the press conference.
Beckham and his pop-star spouse arrived at Los Angeles National Airport on Thursday night aboard a British Airways flight from London. They walked out of the terminal shortly before 8:20 p.m., holding hands and waving with red-carpet style at photographers and fans.
Their three children -- Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz - accompanied the couple on the flight but were not present as they departed the building.
The English midfielder, who helped Real Madrid win the Spanish title last month, will debut for the Los Angeles Galaxy on July 21 in an exhibition match against Chelsea.
Despite playing thousands of miles away, Beckham hopes to stay in the England lineup and help the team qualify for next year's European Championship.
He and his wife will also appear in, "Victoria Beckham: Coming to America." The one-hour NBC special airs July 16 at 8 p.m. The former Spice Girl and fashion designer has appeared in a string of interviews to select media, all in an effort to build hype over the new show. The coverage so far has been relatively restrained.
Their L.A. move has been called a shrewd one by celebrity analysts, giving the soccer star and pop singer the red carpet exposure needed to transition their careers into Hollywood's entertainment industry.
The Beckham's will reside in a reported $22 million, 13,000-square foot villa in Beverly Hills, where neighbors include their friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.
