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NEW YORK - David Beckham says he expects to find another
half-year loan deal ahead of the World Cup next year to keep
himself in England manager Fabio Capello's plans for the tournament
in South Africa.
Beckham spent the Major League Soccer (MLS) off-season - and the
first part of this current season - on loan at AC Milan in Italy
and said he hoped to find a similar arrangement next year.
"Leading up to the World Cup, the England manager has made it
very clear to me that I need to be playing at a European level,"
Beckham told reporters ahead of his return match for LA Galaxy
against rivals New York Red Bulls.
"So I will do everything possible... I'll always regret it if I
didn't do everything and to give myself a chance to be involved in
that.
"At the moment my priority is the rest of the season and also
playing and keeping in every squad for England and representing my
country... Going forward of course I want to be involved in the
World Cup, I've not hidden that fact."
Beckham's extended loan with Milan upset many at the Galaxy,
with resentment spilling over into a public spat with team-mate
Landon Donovan who questioned his commitment to the team.
The pair have said their differences are water under the bridge,
but the prospect of Beckham not starting next season with the team
he is contracted to is unlikely to win over sceptical fans.
COACH UNCONCERNED
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, however, said he was unconcerned about
any disruption that might be caused by Beckham's movements.
"I think having David Beckham on our team is just a fabulous
asset. It was a little bit awkward, the loan process, but fully
within the conditions of his contract. And we were fully in
agreement with it and signed off on it. We knew the pros and cons
attributed with David leaving on loan," he said.
"I've had a great 30 years coaching. This is a high point. Not a
low point. It's fabulous to have a player of this calibre on our
squad. I look forward to working with David the remainder of the
season."
Beckham, who previously stated he would like another stint with
Milan, said re-joining the Serie A club would by no means lead to a
place in the World Cup squad, were England to qualify.
"At the moment all I'm concentrating on is being part of this
team (L.A) and being successful with this team. Once the season is
over, then I will decide and decide what I do from then on."
Beckham said a six-month deal was necessary to be in top shape
for selection, rather than a shorter January-to-March deal that
would fit in the MLS off-season.
"I think it would have to be (six months), obviously, leading up
to the World Cup. But with the last loan, it worked out pretty
well," he said.
"I'm not going to sit here and say it was ideal and it was
perfect, because at the end of the day it was great for
myself."