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David Beckham Optimistic About Uncertain Future
The English midfielder will finish out the Serie A season before rejoining the Los Angeles Galaxy in July, but it is likely his playing days lie elsewhere after the year ends.
May 30, 2009 4:30:12 AM
In an apparent effort to mend fences with jilted Southern California supporters of the Los Angeles Galaxy, David Beckham said that he hopes fans would understand why he left the Galaxy for AC Milan. The English international left the Major League Soccer club in the winter offseason to join Milan in the Serie A for the rest of the season.
Milan will play the final game of the season this weekend, after which Beckham is expected to return to Los Angeles to finish the MLS season with the Galaxy. Despite leaving the club for the first half of the MLS season, Beckham said he was looking forward to a return to California.
“I'm excited about it,” he told Grahame Jones of the Los Angeles Times in an exclusive interview. “I'm really looking forward to it. I've been in Milan for six months, and I've enjoyed my time immensely. But I've always said, and I will always say, that I am still committed to MLS and to the Galaxy, no matter what anyone says.”
Beckham mentioned that he hoped the fans of the Galaxy would understand his desire to play in Europe, and he was adamant that his teammates at the Galaxy do.
“I don't think there'll be any problem with the players,” said the midfielder, who is battling an ankle injury to be fit for Milan's game against Fiorentina. “There was no problem when I sat in front of the players and said the reasons why I was doing it [going to Milan on loan]. Players came up to me and said, 'Why would you even need to explain that?' So the players understand.
“On the fans side, I hope they realize by now the reasons why I made this move. I'm sure they do deep down. I'm sure they'll be supportive when I come back. But you never know. Things could be good. Things could be bad. I can only play the game and enjoy myself. I've had quite a bit of stick at certain grounds in England, so I'm sure I can take it.”
Galaxy fans will be asked to forgive the 34-year-old not only for departing, but also for paying out of his own pocket to remain at Milan into the MLS season. Beckham confirmed that much of the rumored $10 million price to extend the deal came from him.
“I'm not sure what the actual figure was, but I did contribute quite a huge sum. It was something that I felt I had to do to stay here for the rest of the season, and I accepted it.
“At the end of the day, it's a hell of a lot of money, but it's something I really needed to do.”
The immediate future for Beckham is clear. He will rejoin the Galaxy once the international transfer window opens in July, and play with the Los Angeles club through the MLS season which ends in November. However, next January, he could depart again, as Milan have shown an interest in bringing the winger back into the fold.
“Nothing has been signed yet [for next season], and nothing's concrete,” said Beckham. But obviously Milan have already showed their interest in me coming back, so that's a good sign.”
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Go to Goal.com's MLS section for all the latest on the U.S. game.
Milan will play the final game of the season this weekend, after which Beckham is expected to return to Los Angeles to finish the MLS season with the Galaxy. Despite leaving the club for the first half of the MLS season, Beckham said he was looking forward to a return to California.
“I'm excited about it,” he told Grahame Jones of the Los Angeles Times in an exclusive interview. “I'm really looking forward to it. I've been in Milan for six months, and I've enjoyed my time immensely. But I've always said, and I will always say, that I am still committed to MLS and to the Galaxy, no matter what anyone says.”
Beckham mentioned that he hoped the fans of the Galaxy would understand his desire to play in Europe, and he was adamant that his teammates at the Galaxy do.
“I don't think there'll be any problem with the players,” said the midfielder, who is battling an ankle injury to be fit for Milan's game against Fiorentina. “There was no problem when I sat in front of the players and said the reasons why I was doing it [going to Milan on loan]. Players came up to me and said, 'Why would you even need to explain that?' So the players understand.
“On the fans side, I hope they realize by now the reasons why I made this move. I'm sure they do deep down. I'm sure they'll be supportive when I come back. But you never know. Things could be good. Things could be bad. I can only play the game and enjoy myself. I've had quite a bit of stick at certain grounds in England, so I'm sure I can take it.”
Galaxy fans will be asked to forgive the 34-year-old not only for departing, but also for paying out of his own pocket to remain at Milan into the MLS season. Beckham confirmed that much of the rumored $10 million price to extend the deal came from him.
“I'm not sure what the actual figure was, but I did contribute quite a huge sum. It was something that I felt I had to do to stay here for the rest of the season, and I accepted it.
“At the end of the day, it's a hell of a lot of money, but it's something I really needed to do.”
The immediate future for Beckham is clear. He will rejoin the Galaxy once the international transfer window opens in July, and play with the Los Angeles club through the MLS season which ends in November. However, next January, he could depart again, as Milan have shown an interest in bringing the winger back into the fold.
“Nothing has been signed yet [for next season], and nothing's concrete,” said Beckham. But obviously Milan have already showed their interest in me coming back, so that's a good sign.”
Goal.com
Go to Goal.com's MLS section for all the latest on the U.S. game.
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