Former England captain David Beckham announced his decision to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal for MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy on Thursday.
His decision to leave the Spanish giants and further his career in the United States signals the death knell of the Galactico era in which the club signed a succession of the world's most glamorous players.
When Beckham joined Real from Manchester United in 2003 he followed in the footsteps of three of the biggest names in the sport: Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo.
"This week Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract for a further two seasons," said Beckham.
"After discussing several options with my family and my advisors to either stay here in Madrid or join other major British and European teams I have decided to join LA Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.
Text: Reuters
Photographs: AFP/Getty Images
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