David Beckham signed with French club Paris St. Germain today on a five-month deal.
In his introductory press conference, he revealed that he won't get a dime from the team, and his potential salary will instead go to a children's charity in Paris.
From the Guardian:
"We've decided on something that's quite unique. Throughout this time now I won't receive any salary: we've decided my salary will go towards a local children's charity in Paris, and that's one of the things we're very excited and proud to do.
"It's something I'm not sure has been done before, but I'm passionate about children and the charity, so we came together and it's something special."
Some are speculating that tax reasons also had a role in his decision to forgo a salary.
A French court recently struck down a planned 75% tax rate on those who make more than €1 million, but the taxes on the rich on are still steep.
Beckham's family is staying in London, and the Sun reports that Beckham can pay his taxes in there if he proves that he spends at least 183 days a year in England.
His on-field reasons for joining PSG are clear. They are a big club in a cosmopolitan city, and they are still alive in the UEFA Champions League — the most elite pro soccer competition in the world.
Beckham says he had offers from elsewhere, but it's hard to imagine another Champions League team giving the 37-year-old Beckham a real chance.
