Beckham confirms Milan switch

David Beckham on Sunday confirmed a deal has been agreed between AC Milan and Los Angeles Galaxy that enables him to stay in Italy until the end of the season.

Beckham’s current loan deal from the Major League Soccer side was due to end on Monday, with Milan’s home game against Atalanta later on Sunday presumed to be his last match in the red and black shirt.

But Beckham released a statement through Galaxy confirming the rumours this week that a deal has been reached allowing him to remain in Italy until the end of the season before returning to Galaxy to see out the rest of the MLS season.

“I’m grateful to both clubs for making this dream come true,” said Beckham.

“I will be able to play for Milan and Galaxy in the same season, hence keeping with my commitment to Major League Soccer in order to develop football in the USA, which is something I feel really passionate about.”

Milan have yet to comment on securing the services of the England midfielder.

The deal follows weeks of negotiations between the two clubs during which Milan baulked at the size of transfer fee demanded by Galaxy — thought to be around 12 million euros.

Milan reportedly were only willing to pay three million dollars.

Beckham initially joined Milan on loan in January until this weekend and was due to head back to the United States on Monday, following Milan’s home clash with Atalanta on Sunday.

However, the 33-year-old, who arranged the loan deal in order to keep active during the long Major League Soccer off season so he could remain in England manager Fabio Capello’s World Cup plans, quickly made it clear he didn’t want to go back to Los Angeles.

Milan too were keen to keep hold of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star who immediately became a first-team fixture.