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London 2012 dream will decide Beckham's future

David Beckham could stay at LA Galaxy © Getty Images

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LA Galaxy midfielder David Beckham will decide his next career move based on which option gives him the best chance of being a part of Team GB's football squad for London 2012.

Beckham, whose current deal in MLS expires at the end of this season, admits he has been taken aback by the number of clubs who have expressed an interest in signing him - with French side Paris Saint Germain in particular hoping to lure the former England international away from California.

However, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man admits that his prospects of playing in next year's Olympic Games will have the biggest impact on his decision on where he plays his club football.

"What will actually happen next I still can't say, but what is very important in the decision in terms of what I do, be it staying here, or going to PSG or wherever, is that I get enough time on the pitch because I want to be part of the Olympics," Beckham told the Daily Telegraph.

"I've made no secret of that. Even to be in the team would be incredible. To be part of that Olympic spirit and to be able to win gold for Britain would be the ultimate [goal] for me.

"The fact that we've got the Olympics in the east end of London where I grew up, the fact that I could be part of that and that I could be out there trying to win gold would mean a hell of a lot to me because I am very patriotic.

"So whoever I sign for, to make sure I would be ready to make that attempt, I would have to be playing regularly."

That could play into the hands of the Galaxy, who are happy to let the 36-year-old play a deep role in midfield - where his passing can be exploited to full effect, while his understandably deteriorating physical attributes are masked as much as possible.

"I have to see how my body feels once the play-offs are over, but I love it here and there is a real chance I will stay, especially if my family are happy," he said.

While many outfield players his age are considering retirement, Beckham is confident he can continue to play until he is 40. When asked whether that is a realistic target for him, he said: "I think so".

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.