SEATTLE -- A young woman in the first row behind the far corner flag was savoring prime views of the world's most recognizable player. The T-shirt she wore to the MLS Cup on Sunday night had a simple message in black and white: "Beckham Bend It Here." David Beckham promised he will be indeed be back in MLS next season -- and that he will eventually exercise his option to own one of the league's teams. "Of course," he said of returning in 2010, after his limped through the Los Angeles Galaxy's upset loss to Real Salt Lake in the league's championship match. "I've said I'll be back, and I will."

This is what gets lost in the "Beckham is a selfish player who loves the spotlight" discussion. He flat out loves to play the game and is constantly challenging himself to play at a high level. His critics want to paint a picture of a guy who is so obsessed with his image and lacks what it takes to lead grown men but I just don't see it. And I'm not just saying this because he's a favorite of mine. You watch a MLS game and it's clear as day how good he is compared to every player around him. The little things he does really makes everyone around him better. Last time I checked that was the defining factor of a great leader. Someone who shines but makes everyone else around him shine that much brighter. So why should anyone be pissed he's going to play for AC Milan next year? He knows he has to play at the top level to be prepared for the World Cup. I hope he never comes back to the MLS. Hanging around those scrubs is a fucking waste of his time as far I'm concerned.