LA Galaxy forward Mike Magee believes the state of MLS would not be as positive as it is now without the influence of David Beckham.
As the former Galaxy star prepares for life in retirement after calling time on his career, Magee suggests that the North American top flight would be nowhere near as good as it is now if it weren't for the efforts of the Englishman.
"Absolutely an amazing career, obviously," said Magee.
"Our league has a lot of amazing things to say about him, I'm sure, but the most important is just knowing this league wouldn't be close to where it is today without him.
"He's a great guy. [It] took me about 40 minutes to read all his accomplishments, and it didn't list anything that he's done off the field, so I think a lot more needs to be made of the kind of man he is, the person he is, and the father and friend and everything. It's a pleasure to know him."
Magee, who played at the Galaxy with Beckham between 2009 and 2012, added: "I think the way this league has turned around in the last, whatever, six years since he got here, it's black and white. It's fair to say it's 100 percent because of him. Obviously, the league has taken the necessary steps to grow it steadily, but he made it make a huge jump. I could tell the difference easily between before he got here and now. It's not even close."
