David Beckham has revealed that his wife Victoria and their children made the decision to stay in Los Angeles, rather than return to Europe.
The footballer signed a two-year deal with LA Galaxy earlier this week, rejecting "many offers" to move to clubs elsewhere.
Speaking at a Google press conference, he said that he always puts his family first: "Victoria and the kids have the final answer on where we live. When you're married with children your priorities totally change.
"With the new contract, it was a decision I didn't take lightly and at 36 years old you don't expect these offers as a footballer, but America is where I thought the future was going for the game and where my family is happiest."
He also said that he enjoys watching the sport grow stateside: "I came to America to grow the game here and I feel I've helped do that.
"The game is growing and to see when I arrived there were 12 teams and now there are 19 - with stadiums being built solely for soccer.
“That's the exciting part and one of the reasons I wanted to stay."
