David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal"

Becks and his LA Galaxy team-mates are gearing up for the World Football Challenge in the States, which also features Premier League champions Manchester United.

And the England international is looking forward to proving he can still cut it among the best players in the world.

Beckham, who starred for Madrid from 2003 to 2007, said: "I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid.

"To go from a club like Manchester United to Real Madrid, it really doesn't get much better than that in football.

"I've got many friends still there. To be facing Real Madrid for the first time since I left is emotional.

"You get attached to the club, you get attached to the people.

Onyewu joins Sporting CP

US international defender Oguchi Onyewu has signed a three-year contract with Portuguese giants Sporting CP, ending his difficult two-season spell with Italian champions AC Milan.

The club confirmed the deal to YA.

"Oguchi Onyewu is the latest reinforcement of Sporting," the team announced through their website. "The American central defender has signed a contract with the Lions for the next three seasons."

The two-time World Cup veteran for the US originally signed with Italian team AC Milan in the summer of 2009, however injuries and coaching changes limited the Washington DC native to only a single appearance.

Official: Domingos Paciencia appointed new Sporting Lisbon coach

Sporting Clube de Portugal have appointed Domingos Paciencia as coach for next season, the club confirmed on Monday.

Paciencia leaves Braga after leading the club to the Europa League final which they lost to Portuguese champions Porto 1-0 last week.

A statement on Sporting's official website reads: