Los Angeles Galaxy welcomed in the new 2019 MLS season in style at the weekend by inviting David Beckham into town to unveil a new statue and mural of the former MLS Cup winning captain.
Beckham kicked off his visit by opening the new 'David Beckham Community Field' at Salvation Army in downtown Los Angeles which features a giant mural designed by artist @madsteez aka Mark Paul Deren. Standing tall in front of the LA skyline, the mural hosts a number of Beckham portraits, including his iconic free-kick taking stance.
Before watching the Galaxy kick off their season with a 2-1 win over Chicago Fire thanks to goals from Daniel Steres and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Beckham and his wife Victoria unveiled a new statue at the Legends Plaza in Carson, California, to immortalise Beckham's time at the club between 2007 and 2012. Just five years, perhaps, but one of the most significant periods in not just the history of the club, but the history of MLS too.
The statue features a blur effect on the hand and foot of Beckham, as if he were in the process of taking a trademark free kick. A strong statement of how highly they regard the former England captain at the club, and a statue that will welcome Beckham's new franchise Inter Miami when they join MLS next year.
Photography by @godspeedgoodsir & @m.alexander_ for SoccerBible.