David Beckham is expected to learn on Friday whether his future lies in Italy or the United States, as the deadline set by the MLS approaches.
The England midfielder has admitted he wants to make his loan spell at Milan permanent, but the Serie A side will have to move quickly after Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber insisted a deal must be agreed before the weekend if he is to leave Los Angeles Galaxy.
Beckham spoke about the situation in an interview with the Gazzetta dello Sport, saying: ”Milan and Galaxy are negotiating and I hope I can remain in Italy.
”I have already expressed my wish to remain in Milan and now I have to wait. Physically, I feel really good, I really like playing for Milan. Over the last month and a half my physical condition has improved 100%.
”I have nothing against Galaxy, Los Angeles has been a wonderful experience. But at Milan I have found great players who have been of great help to me. For the time being things could not be going better.”
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti claimed he was keen to sign the midfielder, saying: “In my opinion, in order to keep Beckham, sacrifices should be made because he is an important player for the team.”
While Los Angeles Galaxy boss Bruce Arena believes Beckham will honour his contract if a permanent move to Milan falls through.
Arena told BBC Radio Five: ”We understand his interest in wanting to stay at Milan but we need to protect the interests of the LA Galaxy first and foremost, and that’s what we’re doing.
”We will continue to examine this issue until the end of the week when the league has set a deadline for the transfer.
”There are a variety of things we’ve discussed but it’s not public information and when Milan give us what they feels is their best offer, we’ll examine it and make a decision whether it’s in the best interests of our club or not,” he added.
”If David Beckham returns, he is a good professional and he’s going to play, and play well.
”David Beckham understands what a contract means. He will honour his contract, whether it’s with LA Galaxy or AC Milan.
”David is a great player, we’d miss him if he leaves, no question about that. However it’s a team sport and one player doesn’t make a team.
”We’d be thrilled to have him return but if we lose Beckham, we lose him. That’s football.”
