The 35-year-old was originally given the captaincy in 2007 when he signed for the club, by then-manager, Frank Yallop. But after spending loads of time at AC Milan on loan over the next couple of seasons, the arm-band was given back to the man who had it before Beckham's arrival, Landon Donovan, by current gaffer, Bruce Arena.
Becks has been handed the responsibility due to Donovan's participation in the US National Team's friendly against Argentina this evening. (It's quite alarming that the USMNT organised a friendly game not only mid-season, but on the same day as domestic fixtures were taking place. Imagine the uproar if the FA decided to hold friendlies on Premier League weekends!)
The former face of Brylcreem told the press he was honoured to have the captaincy back, even though it's just for one game.
"Bruce has asked me to wear it, and I'll be proud to wear it," he said.
The issue of the Galaxy arm-band has been a hot one, famously causing a feud between Donovan and Beckham. Reacting to Beckham's extended stays in Italy, the US captain questioned the Englishman's commitment, drawing attention to his extortionate wages. Understandably, he was peeved at being asked to relinquish the captaincy to someone who seemed more interested in playing elsewhere.
They've kissed and made up now though, and Donovan will skipper the club after he returns from international duties. Still, Galaxy fans have remained suspicious of Beckham, who is constantly being linked with a move back to Blighty. It must be frustrating for your top-earner to seem so distant, loyalty-wise. Although he remains a fan-favourite in England, Becks has every chance of returning with a blemished reputation Stateside. And rightly so, we think.
Galaxy currently sit at the top of the Western Conference, with 4 points to their name. Aside from the oddly-placed international, here are the other fixtures to be played today:
Toronto FC vs Portland
Columbus vs New York
Philadelphia vs Vancouver
Chicago vs Kansas City
New England vs DC United
FC Dallas vs San Jose
Real Salt Lake vs LA Galaxy
Chivas vs Colorado
Philip Wright-Lewis
@P_W_L
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