Beckham keeps options open

Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham insists he hasn’t planned the next stage of his career as he prepares for what could be his last game for the MLS champions against Melbourne Victory on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham insists he hasn’t planned the next stage of his career as he prepares for what could be his last game for the MLS champions against Melbourne Victory on Tuesday.

The 115-time England international is uncommitted about where he will play next season with his Galaxy contract set to expire at the end of the year.

Beckham, 36, has been tipped to join Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain after his five-year stint with the American side comes to an end.

The midfielder said he was yet to begin considering his future but admitted he could come to a decision before Christmas.

“I said I’d get this season and this tour out of the way and then have some family time and obviously make a big decision,” Beckham said before Galaxy training at Melbourne’s Visy Park on Monday.

“I’ve not even started thinking about it yet. I wanted to end this season with a championship and we did that and then I wanted to have some time on this tour – we’ve been able to celebrate it. It’s been nice coming on this tour knowing we’re champions of the MLS.”

“I haven’t really started thinking about (my playing future) yet. Once I get some down time, then I’ll obviously think what is going to be best.”

“I’m going to spend some time with the family and have a good Christmas. I might make (my decision) before it, I might be able to make it after it, but we’ll see.”

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar will feature for Galaxy on the last leg of what has been a successful Asia Pacific Tour when they meet Victory at Etihad Stadium.

It is the third time in five years Beckham will take on a Hyundai A-League team, after scoring a memorable free-kick in a 5-3 loss to Sydney in 2007 and being part of the Galaxy team that suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Newcastle Jets in October last year.

Beckham, who expects Victory to provide Galaxy with a tough test, believes the Hyundai A-League and the MLS are of a similar standard.

“I think the standard is similar to what it is in the US. The game’s growing like it is in the US and that’s what’s great to see,” Beckham said.

“People around the world are talking about both leagues now and that’s a sign of the growth of the game in both countries.”