When David Beckham took the field Wednesday night, making his first start in a LA Galaxy jersey, he had one very distinguishing accessory to his uniform. It wasn't a new haircut or a new tattoo -- he was wearing the captain's armband.
All season long Landon Donovan had been the Galaxy's captain, but earlier in the week had decided to hand the honor over to his new teammate.
"I'm not stupid and I'm not naïve. (Beckham) is someone who's been a captain for England, one of the better teams in the world," said Donovan. "For me it's not as important to wear the armband. I'm going to play the same way and act the same way towards guys whether I have that or not. For me I think it made him immediately a part of the team in a real sense."
The decision to make Beckham captain was Donovan's. It wasn't a case of head coach Frank Yallop deciding there needed to be a change. It was a choice made between two teammates, and the Galaxy manager had nothing but praise for both of his players about the move.
"Landon and David had a discussion Monday or Tuesday. I basically left it up to Landon," said Yallop. "He felt David was the captain and he wanted him to have that role. You've got to tip your hat to Landon. David obviously accepted it and did very well with it."
The move also helped integrate Beckham into the team. In addition to leading through his play on the field Wednesday night, he was also a vocal leader as well. From his arrival, there has always been a level of respect in the locker room between Beckham and the rest of the Galaxy, even more so between he and Donovan. Both have captained their respective national teams, which made Beckham almost reluctant to accept the offer.
"I'm very honored that (Donovan) felt the need to give me the armband and the fact that it would lift the players and the team," said Beckham. "Hopefully it will do that. (Donovan's) a great player; one of the best in this country and one of the best in this league. Like I said, I was honored to receive the armband from him."
Donovan was impressed himself with the way Beckham handled the situation. According to him, it's the best move for the club.
"He was polite and said 'I'm fine not wearing it. If I do wear it I'd be happy to do it. I don't want to step on your toes or anybody's toes,'" said Donovan about Beckham. "He was a great leader and I think he's going to be."
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
