The best is yet to come, Man Utd great Wayne Rooney continues the revolution

There was a time when the mention of MLS elicited a giggle and a raised eyebrow. It's where the older players went for their last payday, it's where they had dribbling penalty kicks, it's where they said football. Not so much now. Things on the other side of the Atlantic have changed. The standard is strong, the interest is huge and the players are high profile.

European teams look to the United States in the transfer market, top clubs are frequent visitors to increase their fan base, and American fans are fervent. David Beckham helped change the perception, moving on at 32 with a real commitment to the cause.

He brought star dust as a player and personality and helped elevate the sport. The league is growing at a knot rate, a 10-year broadcast deal with Apple is evidence of the appetite. Beckham's rebounding was the catalyst on and off the pitch.

David Beckham had a seismic effect on our league when he joined the LA Galaxy in 2007, MLS executive vice president Dan Courtemanche told the media. His arrival of him marked the development of the Designated Player rule, which allows clubs to have up to three players who are paid outside of the salary budget.

Development, not retirement.

He showed top stars in all facets of their careers that MLS can be a league of choice, leading to the subsequent arrival of other global icons. David was a terrific MLS ambassador as a player and continues to be as a club owner at Inter Miami. There is no question that he was a major catalyst behind the growth of Major League Soccer, and we are pleased that he continues to provide great value as the owner of Inter Miami CF.