David Beckham is headed to AC Milan and, very likely, to the World Cup
David Beckham flew back to Los Angeles from England today, but it won't be long before the Galaxy star is airborne again.
According to Adriano Galliani, the chief executive of AC Milan, Beckham's proposed move to the Serie A team is locked in stone and the English midfielder will rejoin the Italian club for a second spell in the New Year.
"David Beckham's return on loan in January is already a done deal," Galliani told Sky Sport Italia today.
Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf told England's Telegraph newspaper that Beckham would be more than welcome.
"He is a player who has already given an important contribution to Milan and I am convinced that he would continue to do so if he returns to Milan," Seedorf said.
Meanwhile, it appears that Beckham is going to fulfill his wish of playing in a fourth World Cup after his cameo performance in England's 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Belarus on Wednesday drew glowing reviews from England Coach Fabio Capello.
England had played poorly until Beckham entered the game with a half-hour left. He immediately provided the pass that led to England's second goal, by Shaun Wright-Phillips, and later hit the post with a shot. Beckham was selected man of the match, even though Peter Crouch scored twice.
"I was a bit surprised," Capello said. "I just thought it was like Obama getting the Nobel Peace Prize after eight months as president. Beckham gets the man of the match after 30 minutes here . . . ."
Capello, who sees Beckham's return to AC Milan as "very important" to his World Cup chances, praised the Galaxy player for his professionalism.
"When he's played the last 20 minutes, 50 minutes, half an hour, from half-time, he's always played well and been focused," Capello said. "Sometimes players, when they're substitutes, have problems playing normally. Beckham always plays well."
So, if he stays fit, if he stays healthy, it looks as if Beckham is South Africa-bound in 2010.
-- Grahame L. Jones
Photo: David Beckham looks to pass during England's World Cup qualifying match against Belarus on Oct. 14. Credit: Mark Leech / US Presswire
Could we just be done with this guy already? He's the worst thing in L.A. sports since The LA Express and Steve Howe.
Posted by: jeff finney | October 15, 2009 at 02:52 PM
Well done to him. For players in any sport it takes a lot of work to stay fit and in form over this long a career. He might not be the kid he once was but he can still read the game with the best and he certainly came in with more energy and focus than some on the field last night, picked up the tempo of the whole team I thought.
The MOM nod was off the mark, and Beckham said it embarrassed him a bit, but it was well worth that Capello quote!
If LA fans still think he's the worst thing that's happened to sports in that city, send him east, we'd find him handy in NY.
Posted by: Elison | October 15, 2009 at 03:24 PM
Capello was clearly being sarcastic when he likened Beckham's 'Man of the Match' award to Obama's Nobel Peace Prize. Having said that, Beckham should be in the England squad for South Africa. He is still the best crosser of the ball in world football - whatever the ignorant and envious haters have to say.
Posted by: JB | October 15, 2009 at 03:24 PM
It's obvious to anyone who follows sports that Beckham still has it. Good for him and good for soccer. I enjoy watching him play for the Galaxy, AC Milan, and for the English team. It's like watching Brett Favre!
Posted by: Eddie Barker | October 15, 2009 at 04:46 PM
as long as he gets the galaxy an MLS cup i can care less what he does in milan and for England.
Posted by: Victor Aguilar | October 15, 2009 at 07:08 PM
IM SURE BECKHAM WILL ROCKS THIS TIME.......WORLD CUP 2010 HERE HE COME..........
Posted by: paige | October 16, 2009 at 09:50 AM
I agree with JB that Capello was being sarcastic. After all Beckham actually did something to earn his honor.
Posted by: Jacques Strappe | October 16, 2009 at 02:33 PM
England will take Beckham to the World Cup mainly for commercial reasons.
Allow me to explain.
Last week, Jack Warner one of FIFA's executives and most influential men said England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup was in the duldrums because England are not making use of their most popular Sports Ambasaddors. David Beckham, The Royal Family etc. Since he made that comment, the English Organising Team have declared they will change the approach. Beckham's global appeal is vital to England 2018 bid. Google it, if you don't believe me
Also, even the South African Organising Team have declared they would like to have some sort of ceremony during the World Cup with David Beckham. Why? Well, he is likely make his 100th appearance for England's National Team if he goes. Google it, if you don't believe me
With all the interest in Beckham, I do not see England not taking him. As much as Capello likes people to think he is the man in-charge, calls the shots and doesn't tolerate any distractions or celebrity.
I think Beckham will go to the World Cup and he will play some games, but it will be coming off the bench to provide a spark or leadership. There is absolutely no way he should be starting ahead of Aaron Lennon. I put Beckham behind Lennon, but ahead of Shaun Wright-Philip and Theo Walcott.
Aaron Lennon has been playing out of his mind this season and his team are flying high. That may all change, of course.
I guess we'll just see how things play out.
Posted by: Michael | October 17, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Capello comparing Beckham's "Man of the Match" award to Obama's Nobel Peace prize was sarcasm. I guess not everyone got that.
Posted by: Michael | October 17, 2009 at 02:24 PM