(CNN) -- British soccer star David Beckham says he wants to become a part of American history. The 31-year-old former captain of the English soccer team has signed a five-year, reported $250 million deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer.
CNN.com asked readers for their thoughts on Beckham coming to the U.S. Here's a sampling of their responses, some of which have been edited for content and spelling:
Pamela Weiner of Roosevelt Park, Michigan
Soccer has to be the sport with the most growth in the U.S. right now, and this just goes to show how important it is becoming. In our little community of 20,000, we have more than 600 youth soccer club participants, plus our local high school teams. We have outgrown and continue to have higher numbers than our baseball/softball leagues year after year -- even when some kids play both. What does this tell you? In soccer the kids get more play time, more action, the sport is more "friendly" to all sizes of kids -- you don't have to be tall, big or brawny, just strong, quick and smart. It is truly a brain-oriented team sport. The real football.
Lyle Leavitt of Chicago, Illinois
Beckham coming to Los Angeles is a win for Major League Soccer. A word of caution however -- he can't be the only savior. This should be viewed as a means to bring attention to and attract talented youth players. If a team (or the league) spends money to the detriment of its younger players, then they're making a huge mistake.
Troy Rodel of Armed Forces Pacific
It couldn't have come at a better time. On the eve of the American League losing one of its most popular stars in Clint Dempsey, Major League Soccer has made a monster comeback in acquiring David Beckham. I think Beckham may be a little surprised at how competitive the MLS can be. And although he has gotten older, he still has plenty of skill left to make an impact. With even more endorsement deals and financial opportunities on the way, it's a win-win for Beckham and the MLS. He gives the sport a little more popularity for a country that doesn't view the sport like the rest of the world.
Troy Rhyan of Columbus, Ohio
Unfortunately, this will not do as much for U.S. soccer as many hope. In fact, it will most likely have very little effect at all. With the majority of the best U.S. National Soccer players playing for the British and European Premier Leagues, bringing one foreign icon to the MLS will, if anything, be a slap in the face to the U.S. National players. However, the biggest reason that this will have little to no effect is because America is in love with American sports, and no matter how hard we try, soccer will never be a moneymaker for big business -- which means it will never reach the level of popularity that it has worldwide regardless of who is playing in the league. I wish Beckham and U.S. soccer the best of luck; however, I fail to see much optimism with the situation as a whole.
Cris Sabater of London, England
It will be good for Beckham. His long-term ambition is to be a movie star, so I guess he is going to be in the right city for that. I don't honestly think that he will make soccer any more popular in the United States. They have their own sports there, and I don't think the majority of people in America are interested in soccer.
Maria Ortiz-Sousa of Tampa, Florida
Beckham already has some celebrity status with nonsoccer people like me because of the movie, "Bend It Like Beckham." I never heard about him until then. I loved the movie; it was family friendly. Recent notoriety about his hairstyles and his beautiful model wife have brought added attention to him.
... I am sure that with exposure like this, more teams will be created and add more internationally recognized players, and soccer could grow to be another American favorite.
Phil Emmett of Bournemouth, England
Beckham is total quality. He is English through and through -- therefore, passionate about the things he cares about. I believe he is coming to your country for football reasons and not just for the mega wage he will be getting. I really hope the American public starts believing in the magic that football can create. It is a sport that is part of the DNA in this country, and Beckham will hopefully create this passion in the States -- Beckham is a legend.
James Ryan of Duck, West Virginia
David Beckham is not a fantastic soccer player, but is more of a reliable professional. His persona and reputation have more to do with media savvy, and his wife still craves publicity. Having watched his career since 1996, he has really not done enough on a consistent basis to warrant an enormous sum to play in a league where he will be the big fish in a little pond.
Ann Medina of Lehigh Acres, Florida
I'm glad that Beckham is deciding to come to America. He's definitely going to bring popularity back to a sport that hasn't been shown some love in a long time. But don't get me wrong, I will still be a Landon Donovan fan.
Tim Chervenak of Hobart, Indiana
David Beckham coming to America will do absolutely nothing for soccer in the United States. There is no doubt this man has incredible talent in his sport, and is fun to watch, but Americans as a whole have never fully embraced this sport, and chances are never will.
External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com
Pay service with live and archived video.