Tue, November 03, 2009
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- England midfielder David Beckham said on Monday that he will return to AC Milan late this year to better prepare himself for a World Cup role.
The 34-year-old made the remarks after his club - the Los Angeles Galaxy reached an agreement with AC Milan. However, specific terms have not been unveiled.
Beckham expressed his gratitude to Tim Leiweke and Bruce Arena, president and chief executive officer of AEG, the owner of the Galaxy, for allowing him to leave.
"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," he said.
According to the contact, Beckham will formally join AC Milan on Dec. 28, and stay in Italy for the rest of its season which ends on May 16. He will then join the England team for the World Cup finals in South Africa before coming back to Los Angeles in late July.
Before his departure, Beckham will remain with the Galaxy for the 2009 MLS playoffs and its postseason tour of Germany.
As his loan deal is sealed, Beckham will miss the start of the MLS season for the second consecutive year. He scored two goals and had three assists in 11 games for the Galaxy this season.
