Beckham's Status in Milan

It is now official – David Beckham will stay at Milan until May 31. “I’m really grateful for making this dream happen.”

Milan had hinted over the last few days that a deal had been struck and it was confirmed when LA Galaxy released a statement. Beckham will remain at the San Siro on loan until May 31, then return to Galaxy on July 1 and stay until the end of the MLS season on November 22.

As Beckham cannot sign until the international transfer window opens on July 15, his first game back for Galaxy will be against the New York Red Bulls on July 16. A clause in his contract allows him to buy out the remaining two years on his five-year contract in November and join Milan as a free agent.

"I'm really grateful to the L.A. Galaxy and AC Milan for making this dream deal happen," Beckham said in the statement.

"It allows me to play for AC Milan and the LA Galaxy in the same year, and also to continue my commitment to develop soccer in the United States, which is something I am passionate about."

Beckham's original loan was set to expire following this afternoon’s game against Atalanta, but the MLS was open to negotiations even after the deadline of February 13 passed without an agreement. Part of the deal has given Galaxy a friendly game against Milan at the Home Depot Center in Carson on July 19 and the club’s ticket prices will be cut by an average of 10 per cent due to Beckham’s absence.