Soccer’s long, cross-continental transfer saga is over. David Beckham will return to MLS, finishing his career as a member of the LA Galaxy. He signed a two-year $15 million contract, eschewing reported interest from Paris St. Germain and EPL clubs QPR and Tottenham.

Last fall, this would have been surprising. Now, it’s not much of one. The QPR and Tottenham interest seemed one-sided and English-media driven. That probably would have been more hassle than it was worth. PSG seemed the only reasonable option. The deal progressed so close to consummation, the club leaked its unveiling plans to the French media. When that broke down and the January transfer window lingered, only the details needed to be worked out for him to return.

The family excuse for an athlete is normally induces chortles, but providing a stable environment for his kids is an understandable motive. He’s really a normal person, just with lavish estates, customized Bentleys and meticulously coiffed hair.

Beckham’s soccer legacy is set. It was set, mostly, when he arrived on our shores in 2007. History will remember him as a very good to great player during a great Manchester United run, as the poster-boy for a stale, Galactico-based Real Madrid era and as an England captain with moments both great and gut-wrenching. The money was irrelevant. His only true concern would be whether staying in MLS will hinder his chance to play for the UK in the 2012 Olympics. It won’t.

For the Galaxy and MLS, the “did Beckham revolutionize soccer in America” point is moot. He clearly raised the league’s profile and enhanced its commercial success. His injuries, loan deals and escape attempts clearly blunted his mission for a broader appeal. The question is whether having one of the world’s most popular athletes and one of the league’s best players will continue to be worth the circus and the expenditure. For both the club and the league, it will be…unless England has a rash of midfielder injuries before Euro 2012.

[Photo via Getty]

Previously: Real Salt Lake Manager Gets in David Beckham’s Face After Match
Previously: David Beckham’s Tattoo Reveals He’s Not Bigger Than Jesus, Just His Equal
Previously: David Beckham’s Yellow Card Was Remarkably Convenient