CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- David Beckham reported Thursday to the Los Angeles Galaxy's training camp, two weeks late following an extended stay to train with Tottenham.
"My main objective was to get fit for the Galaxy and the MLS season," Beckham said following his first full practice session. "My objective wasn't to play for a Premiership team. Even if I would have been on loan and even if I would have played the games, this was the time I was always going to come back. That was agreed and nothing was going to change."
Following an injury-riddled year, which saw him miss the World Cup and a majority of the MLS campaign because of a torn left Achilles' tendon, Beckham was clear about his desire to go somewhere this offseason where he could work on his fitness.
Beckham received the blessings of Galaxy chief executive Tim Leiweke and coach Bruce Arena to join Tottenham. Unable to secure a loan with the club, Beckham was prevented from suiting up for games and relegated to strictly practice.
"I could have been sitting on the beach somewhere, which obviously was an option," said the 35-year-old Beckham. "But at my age, and at this stage in my career, I can't afford to take three months holiday."
Now back with the Galaxy, Beckham said he is in great shape as he attempts to develop a rapport with his teammates in the small window of time leading up to the Galaxy's season opener on March 15.
"All we care about is that when he is here, he wants to be here and he wants to play," Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan said. "And today he showed that he wants to be here and he wants to help this team. You can tell the guys are excited, and he's excited to be back."
Beckham is entering the final year of the five-year, $32.5 million deal he signed upon joining the Galaxy, leaving his future up in the air.
Some have speculated that Beckham will take one last shot at playing with a top club overseas, with Tottenham coach Harry Redknapp already extending an open invitation for him to return in the future.
Yet, Beckham downplayed any significance of a possible swan song in the MLS.
"It's not about validating my time here at the Galaxy, it's about the club being successful," he said. "Of course I want to win trophies, I want to win championships, but the most important thing is the club."
The Galaxy come into the season seeking redemption following a disappointing loss in last year's conference finals, marking the fourth year without an MLS Cup victory since Beckham's arrival.
"I don't think that there's any question that he's been positive for everyone involved," Donovan said. "All the stuff on the field has been a big plus for us. And off the field, you can't put a price on how valuable he's been to this league."
