Next Stop: Paris

David Beckham was introduced to the media as a Paris Saint-Germain player on Thursday. (Photo: AP)

After a month filled with countless rumors, names, 8-figure transfer fees and unrealistic hopes by fans, the winter transfer window finally closed around Europe on Thursday. As expected, the English teams were once again most active on the market, even though some preferred to lay low until the summer window. Other clubs — especially those struggling in the league — decided to get advantage of this situation and spill some cash in attempt to strengthen their squads.

Fellow bloggers Mad Dog and Glory of Caught Offside did a good job summarizing the most interesting transfer action from the past month.

The transfer move that I want to talk about today occurred on the other side of the English Channel and had nothing to do with the Premier League. Well, almost nothing. Coming in the dying hours of the transfer window, it was quite sudden, unexpected and created quite a media frenzy. I am referring to David Beckham‘s move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Becks signed a 5-month contract with the Ligue 1 leaders and will donate his entire salary of 237,825 dollars per week to children’s charity in Paris.

“It’s something I’m not sure has been done before but I’m passionate about children and the charity, so we came together and it’s something special,” he told The Guardian. Beckham also explained his choice of joining PSG and shared some thoughts on his new club.

Here is Beckham’s first press conference as a PSG player:

An article I read the other day implied that the Englishman’s decision to continue his career in France is a way of bolstering his declining image and to look for new endorsement opportunities. The authors of the article also call Beckham “a dinosaur for the sport”. Growing up with  Beckham’s magical goals and passes while at his prime in Manchester United and Real Madrid (even though I strongly disliked both teams), and following his performance in Los Angeles Galaxy, I believe his words that he is still passionate about the game and that he is still looking to contribute on the pitch. All this media frenzy around England’s ex-captain brought some nostalgic thoughts along and I spend some time on YouTube enjoying the skills of one of the greatest players in modern soccer. It would be selfish of me not to share these memorable moments with you.

Bonne chance in Paris, Becks, and prove all your critics wrong! Do you remember watching Beckham play? Are you a fan of any of the teams he has played for? Do you think he will do well in PSG? Do you agree with the criticisms directed at him? Comments are welcome.