Update: Beckham Releases Statement on Italian Loan Deal
Although a small media horde has gathered in Carson this morning, I understand from David Beckham's publicist on this side of the Atlantic that Becks will not speak after the Galaxy's practice.
But Glenn Lehrman confirmed that talks are on-going for a two-month loan deal and released this statement:
"At this moment discussions are going on with AC Milan - nothing has been confirmed at the moment. He's considering a proposal from them to go on loan for the start of the year to maintain his level of fitness and make himself available for England selection. He remains an L.A. Galaxy player and would report as normal to the start of the 2009 MLS season."
England coach Fabio Capello had reportedly told English media that Beckham would be axed from England's next World Cup qualifying squad in February if he were not playing regularly.
Updated: Beckham did not, as previously reported, talk to reporters today after practice, although Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena and other players did.
There will be a complete story in Thursday's Daily News, Daily Breeze, Long Beach Press-Telegram and other MediaNews newspapers.
I was told by reporter Phil Collin, who was out at practice today, that Arena made a reference to a six-month loan deal, although he did not cite a source or rule for that length of time, which contradicts what we've heard so far.
Beckham will apparently wait until Saturday before addressing the media, his publicist said. Presumably by then the A.C. Milan deal will be confirmed.
4 Comments
Leave a comment
About 100 Percent Soccer
Sportswriter Nick Green has written the 100 Percent Soccer column since 2005 for the Daily News, Daily Breeze and other Los Angeles area newspapers. The blog of the same name began in 2007. A native of England, he began writing about soccer in the mid-1980s and in 2000 permanently exchanged a seat in the stands for one in the press box. He lives six miles from Carson's Home Depot Center, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA and the training headquarters for U.S. Soccer and is married to a long-suffering soccer widow. Join Nick on FaceBook and follow him on Twitter.
Predictions:
1) Will sell more Beckham 23 Galaxy jerseys in Spain. (Good for him, AEG and Herbalife.)
2) Will ensure Beckham is capped at least once more for England WC campaign. (Good for him, little impact on England WC campaign. See also #1 above.)
3) Will either a> improve his fitness for MLS or b> lead to injury that decreases his fitness for MLS. (See #4)
4) Won't make a bit of difference to the Galaxy's game on the field.
Oops. I meant Italy, not Spain. Point 4 applies regardless.
Will sell more Beckham 23 Galaxy jerseys in Spain. (Good for him, AEG and Herbalife lol, I don't think so).
But he will now start selling AC Milan shirts now won't he?
Would it not be better if the Galaxy made a start by approaching football as a sport rather than show business?