Former England [ Images ] captain David Beckham [ Images ] will leave Real Madrid [ Images ] at the end of the season and sign a five-year deal for MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy, he said on Thursday.

The 31-year-old, who joined Real from Manchester United [ Images ] in June 2003, is the most famous player to sign up for Major League Soccer since it began in 1996.

"This week Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract for a further two seasons," Beckham said.

"After discussing several options with my family and my advisors to either stay here in Madrid or join other major British and European teams I have decided to join LA Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year."