David Beckham has spoken of the "long" and "tough" journey of bringing a new football team to Miami ahead of Inter Miami's first game in Major League Soccer this weekend.
On Sunday, MLS welcomes Beckham's Inter Miami to the fold as South Florida takes another shot at sustaining a successful team in a sport that still pales behind the NFL, NBA and the NHL in terms of viewership.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England midfielder told CNN Sport: "It's been a long journey and a tough one at times, but I must admit for the last 18-19 months, working with [owners] Jorge and Jose [Mas] and the Mas family has been incredible. Things have been a lot brighter and more exciting in those last 18 months."
Miami face Los Angeles FC this Sunday before their first home game on March 14 against Beckham's old club, LA Galaxy.
"It will be an emotional time when we go up against the Galaxy, but there is no doubt in my mind who I will want to win on that day," he said.
It could be argued that Inter Miami's journey to the MLS started 13 years ago when Beckham left Real Madrid to join LA Galaxy.
While the terms of Beckham's contract would no doubt have been lucrative, one stipulation that allowed him the option to buy an MLS franchise at a reduced rate in the future is now bearing fruit in South Florida.
When asked why he chose Miami as the home of his new football club, Beckham said: "One thing that I never doubted was Miami. Miami was always going to be the place; Miami was always going to be our city. We have an incredible fanbase that is diverse in the culture and what Miami is all about and we want to keep that. That's what's special about Miami and South Florida. It's what is special, the culture and the diversity that brings to the city."
While the location and Brand Beckham will no doubt be able to attract a host of superstars to Inter Miami, Beckham said giving youngsters the chance to play "at the highest level" would bring him the most satisfaction.
"We've talked about bringing in big name players, we've talked about bringing in big stars from Europe. I've always said that the proudest moment for us and the proudest moment for our fans would be to see a young kid come through our academy system and then play in the MLS," Beckham added.
Beckham helped LA Galaxy win the MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012 during his six-year stint in the States, but he said there is no question of where his loyalty now lies when his Inter Miami meet his former employers on Matchday 2 of the new season.
"It will be an emotional time when we go up against the Galaxy, but there is no doubt in my mind who I will want to win on that day," he said. "I always said to [league commissioner] Don Garber that my commitment is bigger than my contract with the LA Galaxy.
"I wanted to be here for a lot longer than just the six years that I played … this is my next phase of my MLS journey. I was successful as a player with the LA Galaxy, and now I want to be successful as an owner with our city."
