Los Angeles Galaxy: Why It's Time For David Beckham To Retire Once And For All

In spite of all the hate and vitriol people have laid on David Beckham for the past five years, it has all been nothing but wasted energy and foolish, unfounded ignorance. And that ignorance has been converted into blissful success.

That's right, you naysayers. The David Beckham Experiment was a success. Beckham now completes his  five-year deal as a champion in Major League Soccer. The people who have been in Beckham's corner through thick and thin have won the argument for life.

“David’s a champion. I’ve been around great athletes and competitors in my life in different sports, and this guy is as good as it comes," Galaxy manager Bruce Arena told reporters on Sunday following LA's 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo. "He has an unbelievable desire to win. He’s a great teammate. He’s a great person. I’m so happy for him. He’s done it all now – in every country he’s been in.”

And with that said, it is officially time for Becks to call it a career.

Let's face it. The man is now 36, with his best playing days behind him. And he is now a family man, first and foremost.

His eldest son Brooklyn could continue the line of players playing for the Galaxy under the Beckham name, as he plays in the club's youth academy. Life is wonderful in Southern California for David and Victoria. And the other kids are having a blast living life as American citizens.

Moreover, Beckham has followed Trevor Stevens's lead as a Englishman to have won titles in three different counties.

The success he had in 2011 with Los Angeles, however, means that he is still being looked at by other European clubs, most notably Ligue 1 leaders Paris-St. Germain.

From this columnist's perspective, I don't understand why Beckham would want to consider going for titles in four different countries. Clearly three should be enough.

MLS Cup 2011 brought the Hollywood ending that Beckham sought after for so long. Even the fans had a feeling that this could be the last time they saw Becks in a Galaxy uniform.

And it has to be. It must be. Why should Beckham, given his current health, try his luck playing in France? It doesn't make any sense.

Beckham needs to retire and consider continuing his involvement in MLS, but in an administrative capacity. Continuing to be involved with the Galaxy in this state is a good example.

There is no question that Beckham's brand name has paid off here, as it has in England, Spain, and other places around the world. Beckham's work ethic has made him the Comeback Player of the Year, and can also be considered one of the feel-good stories in MLS.

But now, the Galaxy can move on without Beckham. They will still have Landon Donovan, and they will have Robbie Keane.

And with this MLS Cup victory, there will be top players who will want to take a chance and jump across the pond to sign with LA as the transfer window looms near.

The 2011 Major League Soccer season is officially over. And it can also be certain that the David Beckham era is coming to a fitting conclusion in the city of Los Angeles.