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Beckham facing backlash from LA Galaxy fans over Milan move
James Olley5 Feb 2009
Los Angeles Galaxy fans reacted angrily today to the news that David Beckham wants to turn his back on America and sign a permanent deal with AC Milan.
The 33-year-old has made a big impact in Serie A during his loan spell as he looks to prove his worth to England manager Fabio Capello and prolong his international career to next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Galaxy officials have repeatedly insisted they expect Beckham to return at the end of the current agreement on 9 March.
But the former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder's desire to end his stay in the US only 18 months into a five-year $125million deal has prompted supporters to flood message boards expressing their anger.
One fan wrote: "Here's hoping that he never comes back. Don't come looking for a payday when you are done after the 2010 World Cup.
"Don't even bother coming back to the US, much less LA. Because of this guy, we pay the highest ticket, food, parking and merchandise prices in all of MLS. I want a partial refund for what this guy has given us."
Another added: "I feel stupid for being fooled. I thought Beckham was seriously interested in trying to develop soccer in this country. I guess it was all just talk."
The credibility of MLS would be severely damaged should it's highest profile player depart so soon but Beckham appears more intent on forcing his way back into Capello's plans.
He has been in impressive form for Milan, scoring twice in five appearances, and is almost certain to be included when England name their squad on Saturday for next week's friendly in Spain, where he could win his 108th cap and overtake Bobby Moore in the all-time list.
After last night's 2-2 draw against Rangers, Beckham said: "I have expressed my desire now to stay in Milan and hopefully the clubs can come to some agreement."
Galaxy staff were staying tight-lipped at this latest development.
Team communications director Patrick Donnelly said he had seen Beckham making the comments on television but the club's general manager and head coach Bruce Arena had not.
"We've seen it but right now we have no comment," said Donnelly.
Milan have opened talks to sign Beckham permanently and are thought to be preparing a bid in the region of £14million.
Reader views (19)
The standard of football in the MLS is a joke. Is it any wonder he'd turn he'd want to turn his back on it for a final spin in Serie A. He was made for the big stage and Italian football fits his game like a glove. MLS is going nowhere fast - get over it.
- Mickey, Billericay, 06/02/2009 08:55
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Come on David, do it. Get out of this 3rd rate league while you can, you should be playing with better players as opposed to this garbage here in LA.
Rebuild!
- Matt, Los Angeles, USA, 06/02/2009 00:03
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who cares. I mean, seriously, who cares.
Not even close in class to George Best, Johnny Haynes,Bobby Moore, Kenny Dalglish etc etc.
- Ray Jarvis, marlborough USA, 05/02/2009 22:58
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Well if nothing else you have to laugh. The Beckham circus arrived in town and everyone was rushing out buying up the shirts, posters you name it, the LA GAlaxy fans paid through the nose for it. Totally agree with Macca "No. Morals ? No. Ethics ?". I think he should be made to Honor his contact so the fans get the chance to boo him every game and get their monies worth......
- Bernie, San Jose USA, 05/02/2009 22:54
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Oooh the irony of Americans calling Beckham shallow! The whole of American culture is built on shallowness. They should applaud what he has done as it is in the spirit of what the American Dream is all about!
Self Self Self!
- John, London, 05/02/2009 22:24
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So what happened to the man who said ' i see myself staying 5 years and beyond building training academys e.t.c Yep welcome to brand Beckham. They go their fame now time to move on and get their next does of media obsession.
- Tony Lee, LONDON, 05/02/2009 21:31
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The style of play in italy is more possession related, and Beckhams quality will be more appreciated than in the premiership - which is based on pace and power. If you give Beckham time and space he will hurt you.
- Terry, bishops stortford england, 05/02/2009 17:23
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so much for his 'glowing' statements about his future in the US. As usual, more interested in the cash but no real commitment to the contractual element of the LA deal. Trustworthy ? No. Morals ? No. Ethics ? No. Me, me, me, me as usual. What about all the LA supporters who've paid a fortune to watch LA Galaxy ? No, not interested in them either. And to do what ? warm the bench for england unless there's no one else available. LA Galaxy, hold him to his contract!!
- Macca, Reston, USA, 05/02/2009 17:14
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Thank goodness. Becks was nothing more than a curiosity while he was here in the States. The fact is his ego couldn't handle being just the biggest fish in a second-tier sport here in America.
Becks' ego needs stroking and he isn't going to get that here.
- Get Out, Washington, DC, 05/02/2009 17:09
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His England days were finsied two years ago. It's pure folly and an insult to the young players to have him even considered let alone for the sake of achieving any further caps which are fast losing their true value.
Just disappear gracefully and enjoy the zillions you and your wife still seem remarkably to earn !
- Jonathan, Totteridge. England, 05/02/2009 14:26
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who cares..had enough of the Beckham circus..he has done well for a bloke who got no left foot,no pace,can`t tackle or beat a man with pace.
- Phil, croxley, 05/02/2009 13:53
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I've had my money, thanks very much...
Love Becks
- Mark, st albans, 05/02/2009 13:48
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Come on people, playing in the MLS is like playing on a sunday morning pub team, can you blame him for getting out. He made the switch too early to the MLS and Beckham alone will not improve this league. They would be better off bringing in multiple star players than one mage star. Robbie Fowler should head to the US as the yare plenty of ex pats in the Nation and he would get a warm welcome.
- Nick Nack Paddy Mac, Kilburn, London UK, 05/02/2009 13:43
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Becks wants to play for England
He knows that The FA demand that all players must play
in a chalenging Top Flight Football League
He is still the best crosser of the ball
No one is better.
Just a shame he has just realized he still has a role to play for Enland
Under Fabio
- Syd, London, 05/02/2009 13:26
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Not a clever PR move by brand Becks.How about the effect on his training schools.Oh and the movie career
- Mike, roma,italy, 05/02/2009 13:16
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Footballer says he loves club, then leaves. Oh the shock.
Seriously, America, if you haven't got past calling it "soccer" yet, how on earth did you ever hope to see this coming?
- Stu, Beckton, 05/02/2009 13:08
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i suspect this has nothing to do with his england career and everything to do with the beckham brand - posh seems to be a bit of a laughing stock in LA, this is their way of coming home (with tail between their legs)
- Simon Bucknell, enfield, 05/02/2009 12:56
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Oh dear, it's sounds like our cousins from over the seas have only just realised what "Brand Beckham" is all about. It would appear they were expecting some sort of substance from it, sorry about that but did you not think why the UK were glad to be rid of them?
- Bob, Cheam, 05/02/2009 11:53
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Beckham in it for the money only? Surely not?
- Fresh, London, 05/02/2009 10:16
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