LONDON - David Beckham will launch his new career in the United States later this year with realistic footballing ambitions, the former England captain said on Friday.

Real Madrid's David Beckham acknowledges the crowd after their Champions League soccer match against Bayern Munich in Madrid, Spain, February 20, 2007. Beckham will launch his new career in the United States later this year with realistic footballing ambitions, the former England captain said on Friday. [AP]

"I would be stupid to think I can make it (soccer) as big as baseball, basketball and American Football," the Real Madrid midfielder told the Sun newspaper.

"That is not going to happen .... probably half of America hasn't even heard of me."

Beckham, 31, who will leave Madrid for Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the European season, is hoping to inspire the young footballers of the U.S.

"I am not going there thinking I will change everything. My aim is to help the kids in America enjoy football," he said.

"I'll be involved at the grassroots with kids from eight to 15, then taking them on at the end of that, trying to keep their interest going, as that's usually when they stop playing."

Beckham played down the idea he and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, had been lured by the glamour of Los Angeles.

"People have said we're going because we're attracted by the Hollywood glitz but I am not sure that, as a family, we actually enjoy that side of it," said the former Manchester United player.

"The perception is we love the red carpets and parties and being in the limelight but the reality is we don't."