David Beckham finally made his debut for Los Angeles Galaxy when he came on as a substitute for the last 13 minutes of his club's 1-0 defeat by Chelsea.
England midfielder Beckham, 32, who has been struggling with an ankle injury, got a good reception from the capacity 27,000 crowd at the Home Depot Center.
But he was unable to turn the tide in favour of the United States team after John Terry scored in the 49th minute.
The match was part of Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States.
Asked to describe his feelings after making his debut for the Major League Soccer team, Beckham said: "It was very emotional - I think just proud of the way people reacted to me today personally.
"I think to have a full stadium like we did today is credit to the supporters and credit to the people in LA that have supported the MLS for many years, and with a full stadium tonight it has been amazing.
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"The reaction to me when I just either take my top off or kick the ball has been incredible but it makes me feel a little bit embarrassed at times when I get that sort of reaction.
"But it's incredible and I have to thank the people and the fans for coming out to watch the game tonight."
Beckham made a few deft touches in his brief time on the pitch and managed to withstand a heavy challenge from Chelsea new boy Steve Sidwell.
"I'm not fit and I haven't trained since I have been out here," added Beckham. "The ankle is swollen and we'll see how it is tomorrow.
"I sprained it in the England game and I played four days after I pulled the ligaments.
"Then I had the last game of the Spanish season a week after and I had three injections to numb it and I played in that game without any feeling in my foot.
"Neither the League nor the Galaxy is putting pressure on David to play - that is absolutely not happening"
"There are always going to be problems after that but that's what I wanted to do, to play in that game.
"It has been five weeks since that game and this sort of injury usually takes six or seven weeks to heal.
"It's a lot better, it's making progress - it's not a serious injury."
MLS commissioner Don Garber insisted that the decision for Beckham to play was Beckham's alone.
Garber told BBC Five Live Sport: "It was up to David and he felt he was fit enough to come in. Neither the League nor the Galaxy is putting pressure on David to play - that is absolutely not happening."
Among those in the crowd were Beckham's wife, Victoria, Californian Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and actors Katie Holmes, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Love Hewitt, John Hurt and Ray Winstone.
Chelsea captain Terry scored the only goal just after the break, firing in a powerful shot after being lined up by Joe Cole.
"LA played the game with a lot of passion, I think maybe they waited to show David Beckham they have a team," said Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.
"They were highly motivated and they gave us a hard game. I think this is the correct attitude to play football.
"If they continue doing this, they will get results and they will improve."
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