The deal that will see David Beckham return to the LA Galaxy from AC Milan for just half of the Major Soccer League season has been defended by MLS chief Don Garber.

Beckham negotiated an extended lease from the Galaxy in a 'timeshare' agreement made with AC Milan two weeks ago. The deal will see the England midfielder remain in Italy for the rest of the Serie A campaign before returning to California to play in the second half of the MLS season, which began last night.

But commissioner Garber feels the LA club would still benefit from the late arrival in July.

He said: "You've got to look at the reality of what this business is about. It's either getting some of David Beckham or it's getting none of him and I'd much rather be where we are and have him for the second half of the season."