DAVID BECKHAM, never one to stay out of the headlines for long, has signed a unique deal that will enable him to play for both LA Galaxy and AC Milan.
Beckham, who was originally due to return to Los Angeles on 9th March in time for the new MLS season, has been widely applauded for his performances since arriving in Milan and has since striven to make his deal a more permanent one.
After overtures made by Milan to secure his signature on a permanent basis failed, a dual contract has been agreed instead. The contract stipulates that Beckham will remain in Milan until the end of the season, whereon he will return to LA Galaxy.
Throughout his career Beckham has constantly been accused of chasing the dollar, but according to Milan chairman Adriano Galliani, Beckham has ’’made an incredible economic commitment, paying a lot of money from his own pocket.’‘
Beckham himself stated that his main motive for staying in Milan was to give himself a realistic chance of playing for England in the 2010 World Cup. Going to such lengths to play for his country should dispel any myth that he is only about the money. Where his contemporaries Paul Scholes and Jamie Carragher have snubbed their countries, Beckham has always been very public in his desire to carry on playing for his country for as long as is able, even despite his abominable treatment at the hands of Steve McClaren.
However, it is easy to sympathise with LA Galaxy. Even when taking into account the extortionate sums of money that are constantly bandied around the MLS, Beckham’s transfer from Real Madrid in 2007 was huge, and much was expected from him. For such a sum the return hasn’t been all that great and former Galaxy manager Alexi Lalas has warned Beckham to expect a roasting from the fans upon his return.
It’s unlikely this will faze Beckham: remember that this is the guy who came through after being vilified by the nation following the part his sending off factored in England’s exit from the 1998 World Cup.
It could simply be that Beckham has realised what an ill-conceived idea his move to LA was; after all, it was done at a time when his career, both domestically and internationally ,was in the wilderness.
In any case, it is hard not to admire Beckham’s continued desire to do his bit for his country. While the money grabbing Cashley Cole slinks out of prison, Beckham, the consummate professional, can hold is head high as he does what has become rare amongst football stars- putting football first.
