by J Mock

Created on: February 05, 2009

LA Galaxy coach, Bruce Arena has insisted that he will return for the first MLS match when the season re-opens in March, but Adriano Galliani, the vice-president and club administrator of AC Milan, has admitted that the club will endeavor to turn the three-month loan of David Beckham into a permanent deal.

Eyebrows were raised across the footballing world in 2007 when it was initially confirmed that David Beckham would cross the Atlantic to sign a five-year contract with LA Galaxy. Rumours were rife that the switch from Spanish giants Real Madrid was due to the staggering deal worth a potential 128 million UK sterling, and not in terms of his football career.

After ten years at Manchester United, and four in Madrid, Beckham had been labelled as being past his prime. The MSL, however, felt that they has secured a coup, as the Beckham brand brought worldwide attention to Major League Soccer.

Due to the nature of the MLS soccer season, which runs from March until November, and the level of the football in America compared to the European Leagues, Beckham had concerns that he would lose his place in the English National team.

A three-month loan was agreed, to last from January to March 2009, but the 33 year old has been in impressive form in Seria A, scoring two goals and showing clear signs that he is still able to perform at the highest level.

Evidence suggests that Beckham is keen to remain in Italy, but the stumbling block could be whether LA Galaxy will sanction a permanent move.

According to media reports and the Guardian.co.uk website on 4th February 2009, Adriano Galliani has confirmed that AC Milan would like to retain the services of Beckham.

"His desire is to stay he hasn't hidden that but it's a problem between him and the Los Angeles Galaxy. In this we, as a club, cannot get involved," said Galliani.

If Beckham wants to continue as an England regular, up to and including, the next World Cup in 2010, he needs to play at the highest level, and top-flight football in Italy could allow this dream to become a reality.

Contract negotiations between AC Milan and LA Galaxy are continuing to see if a deal can be reached by the official end of the loan deal on March 9th 2009. If LA Galaxy agree to the move then Beckham will probably remain in Italy.

There is one more factor that could determine the outcome of this ongoing sage; Victoria Beckham, David's wife, and his three children.

It is well known that David is a family man, and if the family do not want to up-root again, having settled in America, and move to Italy, then this could have a bearing on the outcome.

A move to Italy would not be about the contract or the financial rewards, but for the passion of football and playing at the top level. Come March, or even sooner if the lawyers can reach an agreement, the ensuing saga that surrounds David Beckham will move into the next chapter, be it with a return to Major League Soccer or an extended stay in Italy with AC Milan, and a chance of European and International football.

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/feb/04/david -beckham-ac-milan-extend

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