Becks move a boost for French game

David Beckham timeline1975: Born Leytonstone, 2 May1991: Joins Manchester United as trainee2000: Named England captain2003: United accept a £25m bid from Real Madrid and he moves to the Spanish giants2006: Stands down as England captain2007: Beckham leaves Real Madrid for LA Galaxy on a five-year deal2009 and 2010: Has two separate loan spells at AC Milan2012: Confirms he is to leave the Galaxy after MLS Cup on 1 December2013: Joins Paris St-Germain on a five-month playing contract on 31 JanuaryPARIS – Make no mistake about it, David Beckham’s move to Paris Saint-Germain may look like a publicity stunt by a club desperate to raise its international profile, but it’s also a timely boost to the French domestic game.In footballing terms, there is no real sense in PSG’s decision to sign the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, who turns 38 in May and becomes the oldest outfield player in Ligue 1.He has only agreed to a five-month contract with the Ligue 1 leaders and admits that it will take several weeks before he is “up to speed” and ready to play.Then he will have to find a place in a PSG midfield that is not exactly short of options.Despite that, he hinted at the possibility of extending his collaboration with the club beyond the summer, possibly in some kind of ambassadorial role. “I don’t see it as a short-term project,” he said.“I have only signed until the end of the season, but I consider myself to be a part of the club’s future. I can help the club grow and help the French league grow.“There have been no discussions about me having a long-term role at the club, but I think a long-term partnership is what we’ve looked for.”Beckham also spoke very diplomatically of the French game as a whole.“When I played for Real Madrid and we went to Lyon and Marseille these were some of the toughest games,” he said, mindful of the fact that he is now an ambassador for Ligue 1 as a whole.“The league is full of talented players and teams, and it is pretty close at the top just now. It’s a difficult league. I know it will be a challenge but it is one I’m really looking forward to.”There are doubts as to what he can offer on the pitch as PSG look to win a first league title since 1994, but there is no question that this is a mutually beneficial move.Beckham can continue to play football at the top level, which he has always claimed is all that matters to him, while PSG’s image gets a much-needed boost too.“The Beckham brand is much stronger than the PSG brand,” Lionel Maltese, a professor in sports marketing at the Kedge Business School told AFP.“Beckham has fans all over the world but you don’t see PSG shirts in every shop in the world. That will change a bit. Beckham will get people talking and that will be good for the club.”