Becks: This proves the critics wrong

LOTTA BOTTLE ... Becks gets the party started

DAVID BECKHAM admits sticking two fingers up at his critics feels better than winning a trophy.

The former Manchester United star has become only the second Englishman behind midfielder Trevor Steven to win League titles in three separate countries.

Beckham, 36, was filled with emotion and led his three sons on to the pitch to celebrate his first MLS title at the end of his fifth season in the United States with LA Galaxy.

Despite tearing a hamstring in training five days earlier, Beckham still lasted the full 90 minutes. And he played a part in Landon Donovan's 71st-minute winner before having a spectacular 30-yard free-kick saved in injury time.

Beckham has certainly received his fair share of criticism since arriving on America's west coast, yet has just completed his best season.

Now he is deciding whether to accept a new deal with Galaxy or move on — Paris St Germain being the favourites.

He said: "I think being successful always feels good. Proving people wrong feels even better. It's always nice to have doubters and always nice to prove them wrong.

"At Manchester United I was lucky enough to win trophies almost every year.

"At Madrid it was just coincidence we won in my last year. And I've won a trophy in my fifth here. I actually tore my hamstring on Tuesday. We'd had three tough games in nine days and I pulled up short.

"But we've all been through times when we've had injuries but played through it. It shows the strength of the players.

"I'm in a bit of discomfort but I've had a bit of champagne and beer and feel okay now. As for the future, I need to decide what's best for me, the team and my family.

"It's been an amazing five years. It's been the most enjoyable time of my career and this has just topped it off.

"People are always going to speculate. They did it the first year I was at Real Madrid — I was going to Chelsea every year. There's no rush to decide what happens."

Beckham was struggling with his hamstring against Houston yet his range of passing was still world class.

He also provided a flick-on which released ex-Spurs striker Robbie Keane and he teed up Donovan for the winner.

This was their third MLS title but first since 2005 and afterwards Beckham appeared on the pitch with his family. He said: "Winning trophies are life-changing moments.

"I've been lucky enough to have children at a very young age. Brooklyn, my eldest, has experienced being on the turf at Old Trafford and has seen me pick the Premiership up.

"All three of them were on the pitch at Madrid and three of them were there with Galaxy. It's great memories."

Keane, who helped Ireland qualify for Euro 2012 seven days ago, said: "David was struggling but full credit to him. It shows how much he wants to play and win."

Simon Fuller, Becks' manager and business partner, added: "This is an important moment for David, and I'm delighted that we're able to share this victory and to see the LA Galaxy win their first MLS Trophy win since 2005, and for David to add to his Premier League and La Liga trophies from England and Spain.

"He has been in sensational form this season, and I'd like to mark the moment by paying tribute to him in recognition of everything that he's achieved so far in his incredible career in football, for helping raise the status and value of British sport around the world and for being such an excellent ambassador for our country."