David Beckham not returning? Alexi Lalas says it’s possible

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Former Galaxy player and general manager Alexi Lalas, always one to stir the waters when there is a chance to do so, has told the BBC that he thinks David Beckham might find it uncomfortable returning to the Galaxy and Major League Soccer after once again experiencing life at the top of soccer’s international dogpile, this time with AC Milan.

The speculation that Becks might not return to Carson was quickly shot down by Beckham’s lead spokesman, Simon Oliveira, but Lalas’ comments nonetheless make a lot of sense. Here’s some of what he said:

‘If I was still at the Galaxy, yes, I’d fear it,’ Lalas said of the possibility that Beckham might opt to stay in Italy.

‘He’s back in his comfort zone at AC Milan, playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a tremendous amount of talent around him, with incredible money out there on the field, so it must be, in a weird way, a relief to get out there.’

Beckham could makes his competitive debut for AC Milan against AS Roma in Rome on Sunday.

Oliveira, meanwhile, shot down the notion that Beckham might stay with the Serie A team, saying: ‘Whilst we respect Alexi’s right to an opinion, he has not been party to any contractual discussions on the loan agreement to Milan.’

Beckham will return to the U.S. on March 9, Oliveira said, well in time for the Galaxy’s MLS season opener March 22 against DC United in Carson.

Even if he does return, Beckham could feel the effects of a busy winter in Dubai and Italy.

‘I hope he does come back rejuvenated,’ Lalas said, ‘but I also hope it doesn’t catch up with him in the middle of the season if he does come back to MLS. That’s a danger and that’s something I’d be wary of.’

-- Grahame L. Jones