Milan: Beckham loan deal done

Despite reports in the past linking the 34-year-old with moves to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid wide-man had publicly stated his preference to return to the Italian side, in order to maintain his fitness levels during the Major League Soccer off-season.

The 34-year-old midfielder will stay in Italy from January to June before returning to Galaxy and Major League Soccer.

England boss Fabio Capello had warned Beckham that his chances of playing in next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa would disappear if he did not secure a loan move to a European club in the New Year.

"I need to give myself the best chance possible to make the World Cup squad and playing for Milan on loan will help me to do that," Beckham said in a statement.

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Gregg Davies

Gregg Davies is the Chief Sub Editor of FourFourTwo magazine, joining the team in January 2008 and spending seven years working on the website. He supports non-league behemoths Hereford and commentates on Bulls matches for Radio Hereford FC. His passions include chocolate hobnobs and attempting to shoehorn Ronnie Radford into any office conversation.