IT’S official.
David Beckham’s MLS franchise finally has lift-off.
David Beckham’s MLS franchise is finally becoming a realityCredit: Alamy Live News
In a star-studded announcement, using a video promo that featured his family, Jennifer Lopez and even Jay Z helped sell his Miami dream to a wowed audience.
Now the challenge is to build a competitive squad for Inter Miami in time for the 2020 season.
Becks already made noises during the press conference Monday that he was speaking to the world’s best talent to lure them to his project.
Even Lionel Messi has hinted that he wants to play his final days in the US.
So what can any prospective transfer targets expect from a life in Miami?
David Beckham is hoping to bring the world’s best talent to his Miami teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Join SunSport in lending the former Man United great a hand in making ‘The Magic City’ the go-to destination for the best footballers in the world.
The weather
While you may have to be wary of the odd tropical storm here and there, Miami weather is mostly perfect.
January averages around 20 degrees Celsius, while winter highs range between 23-27 degrees Celsius.
The wet season starts in May and ends mid-October, but the temperatures are between 27-35 degrees Celsius and it’s insanely humid.
Good job the football season starts in May, otherwise it would be hell playing in those conditions.
Blue skies and sunshine decorate the high skyscrapers of MiamiCredit: Getty – Contributor
Miami Beach is the best place for a footballer to top up their tanCredit: Alamy
The beaches
They say life’s a beach… Miami has several from Key Biscayne to North Beach, where prime athletes can bronze themselves on a daily basis.
There’s the 21st to 45th street beach, which runs alongside the Miami Beach boardwalk and South Pointe Park.
Some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants are nearby, so it’s the perfect spot.
South Pointe Park is perfect for a stroll or jog for a Beckham transfer targetCredit: Getty – Contributor
Miami Beach is the perfect location for any footballerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Anyone feeling active could head to Lummus Beach where volleyball courts are available to rent or there’s thatched huts to lounge under.
Haulover Beach boasts white sands and a choppy sea, ideal for surfers. On Tuesday nights there’s a food truck festival with live music and local foods for the whole family.
David Beckham won’t have trouble selling the white sands of Miami BeachCredit: Getty – Contributor
The restaurants
Miami’s cuisine is fit for a king and is influenced by the ocean with plenty of seafood on offer.
Latin American foods are key here, so most restaurants boast many Cuban-influenced dishes – most meaty based.
The most exclusive restaurants in town are Terrazza in the Shore Club Hotel, Zuma in the heart of downtown Miami and Jaya at the Setai Hotel.
Eating by the pool at the Shore Club Hotel is what most sports stars do in Miami
Jaya is a favourite of the likes of Jay Z and Bono whenever they’re in town, with menu highlights including a whole branzino for a reasonable £27.
Terrazza’s Italian by-the pool fare will attract many footballers wanting to load up on carbs.
While Zuma’s light Japanese meals will have weight-conscious footballers frothing at the mouth.
Jay Z and Bono are fans of the Jaya at The Setai hotelCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
Footballers will love the Asian cuisine on offer at the JayaCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
Footballers could rest poolside at The Setai hotel during preseasonCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
The stadium
Central to David Beckham’s proposed Miami franchise plans is a super stadium fit for the best players in the world.
The arena is set to be built in the Overtown neighborhood, near the Miami River, and has been met with some controversy from the locals who don’t think a stadium should be built on the site.
Family and famous friends including Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez Jay Z, Usain Bolt and Neymar welcome David Beckham to Miami
However, be sure that it will be a state-of-the-art venue, not only fit for football, but ready to house concerts featuring the world’s leading pop stars.
Interestingly, it won’t be the biggest stadium in the country, but it’ll surely be a sellout week in/week out with Beckham involved.
David Beckham’s proposed Miami stadium will be fit for any top footballerCredit: Splash News
The celebrity culture
After all, this lot can’t be wrong.
The most famous faces in the world choose Miami as a holiday destination, pouring in on their private jets regularly during the summer.
Some celebrities even call Miami home, so any footballer who wants to embrace celebrity culture should look no further.
A miami based footballer could be mates with Anna Kournikova and Enrique IglesiasCredit: Getty – Contributor
Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Matt Damon and Jennifer Lopez all have lavish homes in Miami.
Most opt for Star Island, so expect footballers to be checking out homes in that area.
With footballers making the crossover into movies and TV, major productions in the city are on the rise. Could the team feature in The Rock’s show ‘Ballers’ in a future episode?
David Beckham granted MLS franchise in Miami and reveals he has already received ‘many calls from top players’ keen to play for him
Sean Combs loves living the Miami lifestyleCredit: Getty Images – Getty
You could bump into Jennifer Lopez living in MiamiCredit: Fame Flynet
Matt Damon is an active celebrity in Miami circlesCredit: Getty – Contributor
FLORIDA KEYS David Beckham granted MLS franchise in Miami and reveals he’s already received ‘many calls from top players’ keen to play for him
Sports culture
Anyone moving to Miami will have to be very aware of the sports culture that runs through the city’s veins.
Although the Miami Dolphins haven’t tasted Superbowl success since 1974, they’re steeped in NFL history thanks to legendary quarterback Dan Marino.
The NBA team Miami Heat was the one-time home of LeBron James when they picked up consecutive championships in 2012 and 2013.
The Miami Heat are the most successful sports franchise currently in the cityCredit: USA TODAY Sports
David Beckham’s football team could have cheerleaders like the Miami HeatCredit: Getty – Contributor
David Beckham’s Miami franchise will rival the Miami Dolphins for fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Any single footballer may be interested in dating a Miami Dolphin cheerleaderCredit: Corbis
The Miami Marlins are favourites of the Hispanic communityCredit: Getty – Contributor
They’re also represented in the MLB by the Marlins, who are co-owned by NY Yankee great Derek Jeter and have won two World Championships.
Bayside Marketplace
For shopping and dining, incoming footballers will look no further than taking a stroll along Bayside Marketplace.
Wrapping along the bay walls of the bank, it boasts designer shops, posh restaurants and a great vibe that encompasses all that’s great about Miami.
Incidentally, Miami Vice often filmed episodes here, so if it’s good enough for Don Johnson…
Bayside Marketplace offers fine dining and shoppingCredit: Getty – Contributor
Bayside Marketplace was where Miami Vice was mostly filmedCredit: Getty – Contributor
David Beckham tells fans his dream has come true after announcing his new MLS team in Miami
Ocean Drive
No doubt any big-name Beckham signing will be driving a fresh motor.
With that in mind, they’ll definitely want to cruise down Ocean Drive with its surrounding Art Deco hotels and bars.
The Clevelander Hotel, with its bar and massive swimming pool provide a great spot to grab a refresher in the hot heat.
You’ll be mad not to be impressed by the architecture.
Ocean Drive boasts some of Miami’s best hotels and barsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ocean Drive is a haven for Art Deco buildings and is perfect for footballers to cruise downCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ocean Drive comes alive at nighttime with its bustling nightlifeCredit: Getty – Contributor
Everglades
On the list of must-do things in Miami – and Becks doesn’t even need to sell the tourist haven – is the Everglades.
Unlike anything in the world, it’s your best chance of seeing a crocodile swimming in its natural habitat.
Over 1.5 acres long, the wetlands begin in Orlando at the Kissimmee River and end at Lake Okeechobee.
The Everglades is one of Miami’s most famous tourist attractionsCredit: Getty – Contributor
You could see crocodiles on a tour of the EvergladesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
It’s an amazing experience for any tourist and any future Beckham signing.
So, where do we sign up?
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
