David Beckham optimistic of progress on Miami MLS franchise
Wednesday 2 September 2015 14:36, UK
David Beckham is hopeful of making progress in the next two months in his bid to establish an MLS franchise in Miami.
Beckham's stay in MLS with the Los Angeles Galaxy brought him an option to purchase an expansion team at a reduced price and he selected Miami as his market, only to find trouble over a stadium site.
The Miami Beckham United group, which also includes 'American Idol' creator Simon Fuller, has been exploring stadium options for a while and saw an earlier downtown waterfront site blocked by local business interests.
Miami mayor Tomas Regalado said in July the group were planning to build a stadium near the Miami Marlins baseball ground.
The site, which is near the downtown part of the city, had previously been rejected as a possible base for the franchise, which was announced last year.
"It's been frustrating over the last year and a half with the announcement first and then we had a couple of difficult times, which we knew would happen at some point because you can't everything smooth sailing," Beckham told Sky Sports News HQ.
"But everyone in Miami is excited about us bringing a team there. We are getting closer.
"There is a lot of positivity around the city and I've always said that Miami is a place that is going to love a team. They need a team and want a team.
"I think the fans are excited and hopefully in the next couple of months we'll be able to make an announcement."
