David Beckham went on the charm offensive in the US today after agreeing a record £128 million move from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy - in what has become the highest-profile football transfer the world has ever seen.

The press conference was reportedly broadcast live by every English-speaking news network in the world.

US networks had reportedly interrupted live coverage of Condoleezza Rice's testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday to report breaking news of Beckham's transfer.

In a press conference hosted live by video link from Madrid to Los Angeles, the ex-England captain, 31, revealed he had spoken on the phone to Tom Cruise for an hour on both of the last two nights to get some tips on how to deal with the American paparazzi.

During the 20-minute press conference, which followed an appearance on ABC News' Good Morning America, Beckham insisted he was moving to the States because of the "huge, huge potential" of football there and his desire to "take it to another level" by being a football ambassador.

He also emphasised how much he enjoys working with children to raise football's profile at grass-roots level.

The Real Madrid star, whose move is scheduled to take place on June 30, revealed he had turned to Cruise for advice, observing that 45 paparazzi cars had been stationed outside his hotel last time he came to LA.

"I was on the phone to him for an hour last night and an hour the night before," Beckham said.

"I asked him for his advice because he's a wise man and he explained things to me - what to be prepared for.

"But he couldn't speak any higher than what he was saying about LA. And that's going to be a big help for us, to have friends actually when we arrive in LA."

Also at the press conference, which was organised by the Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), owners of LA Galaxy, Beckham emphasised that he was in the US to be a footballer and not a celebrity.

"I have been lucky to get great experience and play with some great team-mates and in two of the best teams in the world, and that is what I hope to pass on," he said.

"I am not coming to be a superstar, I am coming to be part of a team."

On his desire to promote football and work with youngsters, he added: "Soccer is played by so many youngsters up to a certain age and hopefully I can a make a difference to the young kids, who play and then go on to other areas.

"One of my biggest passions is working with kids - I love it, that's the reason I started my academies, to see how happy we can make them. It's one of the differences I want to make and there is huge potential for that."

Beckham's press conference followed an earlier appearance on ABC News' Good Morning America, in which he insisted his move to America would not be for the money - even though it makes him the best-paid sportsperson in the world.

"Of course it's a huge amount of money... it's an amazing amount of money," he said.

"I said yesterday and some people laughed at me, but this move for me is not about the money, it's about hopefully making a difference in the US with the soccer and that's what I'm going there for."

The five-year deal will see Beckham earn more than £70,000 a day - more than any player has ever earned. Experts believe it will also help protect Beckham's status as a global marketing brand.

Beckham, who will also take a stake in the club, will be earning 81 pence per second when he moves to California in what will be the Major League Soccer mid-season.

One of Beckham’s first matches is likely to be against Chelsea, who have a partnership agreement with the Anschutz Entertainment Group, the owner of LA Galaxy. After playing at the club’s Home Depot Center against the MLS All Stars last year, Chelsea will take part in a four-team tournament also involving the Galaxy in July.

But the fanfare surrounding Beckham's move, and his enthusiasm to get over to LA, may add to speculation that he could leave Real Madrid sooner.

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