That's right, can you say cash money? David Beckham has conquered the rest of the world as the most recognized soccer player around. Now, he's beginning his march across America. Taking the first step Thursday, Beckham announced a five-year deal to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, starting this summer. The Galaxy didn't say exactly what they'll pay him, but floated a figure of $250 million in salary and commercial endorsements over the length of his contract. In other words, his move could be worth $1 million a week.

"Beckham Comes to America" flashed on video screens outside Staples Center, owned by AEG, the sports and entertainment company that runs the Galaxy.Beckham's first task? Converting football, baseball and basketball-crazed Americans into soccer fans. "The main thing for me is to improve the soccer, to improve the standard, and to be part of history really because I think soccer can be a lot bigger in the U.S." Beckham said Friday morning on ABC's "Good Morning America."

That could be his biggest hurdle since the United States is the last — and largest — market where Beckham's cult of personality has few believers. The superstar, whose best playing days are likely behind him, has helped sell millions of European tabloids but has been able to walk American streets in relative anonymity. "There are so many great sports in America," said Beckham, the 31-year-old former England captain. "There are so many kids that play baseball, American football, basketball. But soccer is huge all around the world apart from America, so that's where I want to make a difference with the kids."

In Los Angeles, Beckham's mandate calls for raising the profile of an average team in a soccer league that has little respect overseas and less recognition than the University of Southern California football team. "I'm going out there to hopefully build a club and team that's got a lot of potential," Beckham said. "I think that's what excites me." On Friday, Beckham returned to his daily routine training with Real Madrid for nearly two hours. The British player smiled to reporters upon his arrival and left the training ground in the outskirts of Madrid without speaking to reporters about his new signing.