The Los Angeles Galaxy completed the loan
agreement of midfielder David Beckham to Italian side AC Milan on Monday.
The move will be effective in January 2010, while Beckham remains under
contract to the Galaxy and will play for the club throughout the MLS Cup
playoffs.
"We are pleased to finalize David's loan to AC Milan and we look forward to
his return to the Galaxy after the 2010 World Cup," Galaxy head coach and
general manager Bruce Arena said.
Beckham will officially join AC Milan on December 28 and remain with the club
throughout their season, which ends on May 16, 2010. He will then re-join the
Galaxy when the summer transfer window opens in July 2010.
"After the wonderful experience of last season we are very happy to see David
Beckham again wearing the red and black colors," said Milan vice president and
CEO Adriano Galliani. "We are confident his loan spell will not only improve
Milan, it will help the player to take part in the World Cup in South Africa
and continue to enhance his career in North America with the LA Galaxy. We
would like to thank the Galaxy and MLS for their cooperation and
understanding."
Beckham signed with the Galaxy in January 2007 and in three seasons with the
club has appeared in 41 MLS games, tallying seven goals and 15 assists.
"I need to give myself the best chance possible to make the World Cup squad
and playing for Milan on loan will help me to do that," Beckham said. "I
genuinely enjoyed my time at Milan and I look forward to meeting the players
and staff again. I'm thankful to Tim Leiweke and Bruce Arena for allowing me
this opportunity. I'm committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and
remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America. I'm
completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by
winning the MLS Cup."
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