David Beckham tug of war not over
Despite making it known that he wanted to stay with Italian Serie A power AC Milan, David Beckham will be heading back to the Los Angeles Galaxy of MLS. At least so say members of the Galaxy and Major League Soccer.
A deadline set by MLS for negotiations has expired.
“He will be back here on March 9 and we don’t want to entertain any more conversations now,” Galaxy owner Tim Leiweke said. “It is a distraction to [Galaxy Coach] Bruce Arena, the team and the fans and we move on. That’s the last we’re going to talk about this.”
Beckham has been on loan with the Italian giants for six games, but the two sides could not agree to a transfer fee to keep him in Italy. The England midfielder had wanted to return to Europe, at least temporarily, to secure a place on the England national team squad and help it qualify for next year’s World Cup. He came on as a second-half substitute in England’s 2-0 defeat to Spain in a friendly Wednesday – bet on international matches at WagerWeb.com
“I can assure you that when I agreed the loan deal, I did not think about staying beyond March 9,” Beckham said. “But after a week and having played my first game, I understood that I needed to continue playing at the highest level.”
The 33-year-old has seemed energized with Milan, but MLS has pinned big hopes in the world-wide superstar. To allow him to get away would be a bit of a black mark on the league, which still struggles to be relevant in the U.S.
“I have nothing against the Galaxy,” Beckham said . “Los Angeles has been a wonderful experience. But at Milan I have found great players who have been of great help to me. For the time being, things could not be going better.”
The Galaxy rejected ACMilan’s initial bid of $7.2 million and is reportedly seeking $14.4 million. But Beckham has an option to buy out his contract in November and leave the Galaxy for free, which it now appears he would do, so the Galaxy might not have a lot of leverage. And remaining with the Galaxy could jeopardize Beckham’s international career, because England coach Fabio Capello has said Beckham needed to play more competitive soccer.
AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani called the Galaxy’s announcement as a “tactic,” as club officials believe it’s all part of a strategy to increase Beckham’s price to remain in Italy.
“At the moment, Beckham is still AC Milan’s player,” Galliani said. “We will see what will happen within a month.”
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti also seemed undeterred: “At the moment Beckham is indispensable for Milan. Galaxy has forced the situation, but there is time before March 9.”
Soccer Betting at WagerWeb.com
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
