The LA Galaxy completed the loan agreement of midfielder David Beckham to Italian side AC Milan on Monday, effective in January 2010. Beckham remains under contract to the Galaxy and will play for the club throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs, which continue on Sunday, November 8 at 4:30 p.m. when the Galaxy take on Chivas USA in Game #2 of their Western Conference Semifinal Series at The Home Depot Center. In accordance with team and league regulations, details of the loan agreement were not released.
"We are pleased to finalize David's loan to AC Milan and we look forward to his return to the Galaxy after the 2010 World Cup," Galaxy Head Coach and General Manager Bruce Arena said.
Following the conclusion of the MLS season, Beckham and the rest of the Galaxy, will travel to Germany for the club's 2009 Postseason Tour presented by Herbalife, which will conclude on December 2. Beckham will officially join AC Milan on December 28 and remain with the club throughout their season which ends on May 16, 2010. He will then re-join the Galaxy when the summer transfer window opens in July 2010.
"After the wonderful experience of last season we are very happy to see David Beckham again wearing the red and black colors," said Adriano Galliani, Vice President and CEO of AC Milan. "We are confident his loan spell will not only improve Milan, it will help the player to take part in the World Cup in South Africa and continue to enhance his career in North America with the LA Galaxy. We would like to thank the Galaxy and MLS for their co-operation and understanding."
The Galaxy's Designated Player, Beckham signed with the club in January 2007 before making his Galaxy debut in a friendly against Chelsea in July of that year. In three seasons with the club, Beckham has appeared in 41 MLS games, tallying seven goals and 15 assists. He missed the first half of the 2009 MLS season while on loan to AC Milan, but returned to the Galaxy in July. Beckham appeared in and started 11 games for the club, helping the team record a 6-2-3 record in games that he played in. Beckham scored two goals and added three assists this season and has played an important role in leading the Galaxy back to the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
"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," Beckham said. "I genuinely enjoyed my time at Milan and I look forward to meeting the players and staff again. I'm thankful to Tim Leiweke and Bruce Arena for allowing me this opportunity. I'm committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America. I'm completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup."
A three-time World Cup veteran with the English National Team, Beckham has collected 115 caps, giving him the record for the most caps by a field player in England history. Prior to joining the Galaxy, he spent his club career with Manchester United and Real Madrid, winning six English Premier League titles and one Spanish La Liga crown.
Tickets are now available for the Galaxy's home playoff game on Sunday, November 8 against Chivas USA. The game, which is presented by Pechanga Resort kicks off at 4:30 p.m. (PT) at The Home Depot Center. Playoff ticket prices are the same as regular season prices, meaning that tickets start at just $24 for the club's first playoff game since the 2005 MLS Cup.
Additionally, fans can purchase a special Playoff Family 4-Pack for as little as $66. This special package includes four tickets to the Galaxy's home playoff game, four hot dogs and four sodas.
Fans wishing to purchase MLS Cup Playoff tickets can do so by visiting www.lagalaxy.com or by calling 1-877-3GALAXY (342-5299), as well as www.ticketmaster.com and through all Ticketmaster outlets.
