David Beckham to join AC Milan on loan

David Beckham will join AC Milan in January after a loan agreement was worked out between the Italian Serie A team and the MLS Los Angeles Galaxy.  The length of the loan contract was not announced, but Beckham is expected back for the start of the MLS season in April.

“Loaning” a player might seem strange to US sports fans, but it’s a common practice in International soccer.  Beckham had expressed a desire for the loan to Milan as he’s looking to stay in game shape to ensure his continued participation on England’s national team.  The former captain has never been in the favor of new England coach Fabio Capello and presumably this will help his standing with the boss.  Beckham has an immediate goal in sight—his 106 career International caps (that’s Euro-soccer lingo for “games played”) is one short of the all time record for an English outfield player.  The late and legendary Bobby Moore—who will forever be revered for his captainship of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad—had 107 career caps.

He’s also targeting 2010 and the next World Cup competition in South Africa for his international swansong.  After England’s disappointing performance in 2006, Becks would clearly like to see the team fare better next time out.  While he’s planning to announce his retirement from international play after the 2010 World Cup regardless (and since he’ll be 36 then, which would make him 40 when the next World Cup is held in 2014, the timing is definitely right) the exit would be much sweeter following a solid showing by his England team.

Though there have been rumors that Beckham is plotting a full time move to the Serie A team—he just bought a house in Milam—he’s maintained that his commitment remains with the LA Galaxy.  In a post on his blog, he explained his decision:

''One of the reasons I want to train and play in Milan for a few months is the fact that the MLS season doesn't run as long as the European season and having played most of my career in Europe, my body has been trained and geared not to have that amount of time off.

''Obviously, I will be honoured to be given the chance to train and play with the likes of Ronaldinho and Kaka, but it also gives me the chance to keep my fitness up and carry that on for when I come back to the Galaxy for the new MLS season.''

Beckham then outlined some of his goals for the forthcoming MLS season:

''Next season is an important one for the Galaxy. 'We haven't been in the play-offs for three years now and for a team like LA Galaxy we all know that isn't good enough.

''(Head coach) Bruce Arena will also have had the chance over the past few months to get used to the squad and, with his experience and previous success, he'll want to make sure that we're up there competing next year.''

Galaxy head coach Arena has publically supported the move and understands what Beckham’s motivation is in doing so:

''I can't speak for David but what motivates any top-level footballer is the fact that playing for your national team is the greatest honour. And having the potential to play in another World Cup is every player's dream. I think these are the things that motivate him.''

Beckham will join a talented AC Milan squad that is mired in a five way battle royal for Serie A supremacy.  The team is currently in sole possession of third place, with a total of three points separating the top five teams.  Beckham will join the team on January 7th and could make his debut three days later in a game against Roma.

The media in the US and UK has always fixated on Beckham’s male model good looks and playboy lifestyle.  Since his marriage to Victoria Adams (aka “Posh Spice” from the “Spice Girls” musical act), the couple has become a fixture in gossip columns all over the world.  Despite this, Beckham has always been committed to soccer and is by all accounts a well liked teammate.  Even if he doesn’t contribute substantially to Milan’s performance on the field, it should be a win/win situation for everyone involved.