David Beckham was unveiled as a Los Angeles Galaxy player at a news conference this evening, which was anything but the low-key affair the club had promised.

With pictures being beamed around the world, Beckham was given a ticker-tape welcome to California with 5,000 fans on hand to greet him.

The 32-year-old former England captain has signed a five-year deal with the Major League Soccer club after leaving Spanish giants Real Madrid when his contract ended on June 30th.

"I'd like to say how honoured I am that so many people have come here to see me presented today," Beckham said.

As he embarks on a career with the Galaxy in which he will be asked to change the perception of soccer in America, Beckham embraced the challenges ahead of him.

"In my career I've played for two of the biggest clubs sides in the world - Manchester United and Real Madrid.

"I've also played 11 years for my country, and I'm still playing for my country. Throughout my career I've always looked for challenges and something exciting in my life."

Beckham added that he was excited to be bringing his family to a new country, but clearly has some adjusting to do.

"The first thing in my life is always my family," he said before stumbling over the very name of the sport he is here to play.

"The second most important thing has always been foot-, soccer," he said. "Sorry, I'll get used to that I promise."

Beckham expressed confidence that he would succeed in spreading the popularity of the game in America.

"Soccer can be as big here as it is everywhere around the world, and I'm very proud to be a part of that over the next few years and maybe a few more years after that."

Alongside Beckham on stage was Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas, who described it as an historic moment.

"Not just for the Galaxy but for soccer and for the sport of soccer in the United States," said Lalas.

MLS commissioner Don Garber echoed those thoughts.

"This is truly an historic day for soccer," he said. "Here in Los Angeles, we have one of the world's most recognised athletes, most recognised players coming here to our league, our city, our team.

"He's more than just a terrific player, a man with tremendous talent, tremendous integrity, someone the LA market will look to cherish and others will look to emulate.

"It's also the right time because the MLS has added new teams, new stadiums, and new TV contracts to become a more popular part of the sports culture."

His contract could earn him up to £128million in salary and endorsements.

Each year, Beckham will be paid US$5.5million in basic salary by Galaxy, plus a million-dollar marketing and promotional bonus.  He will also cash in on Galaxy's merchandising.