David Beckham might have made his biggest contribution to the Los Angeles Galaxy away from public view in what could be his final days with the club.
Beckham, hampered by numerous injuries since joining the Galaxy in 2007, played all 90 minutes of Sunday's MLS Cup after tearing his right hamstring in training last week.
Landon Donovan, whose goal gave the Galaxy a 1-0 victory against the Houston Dynamo, described how his team relied on Beckham's determination.
"The way David has played through some pretty serious injuries the last few weeks inspired me a lot," Donovan said. "It forced a lot of us just to get on with it when, after all the games, we were pretty worn down and physically beaten up."
Beckham's tenacity also impressed the Galaxy's Bruce Arena, who became the first coach to win three MLS Cups.
"I've been around great athletes and competitors in different sports in my life," Arena said. "This guy is as good as it comes. He has an unbelievable desire to win and compete. David's a champion."
