Arena: Beckham won't be distraction

CARSON, Calif. -- Los Angeles Galaxy head coach/general manager Bruce Arena on Thursday said the club "will do whatever is in the best interests of the team and the organization" regarding the ongoing saga of David Beckham.

The 33-year-old midfielder, currently on loan with Serie A powerhouse AC Milan, on Wednesday stated his desire to remain in Italy once the loan agreement expires on March 8. The team's official website quoted Beckham as saying after a 2-2 draw with Glasgow Rangers, "I express my desire to remain here because I am doing very well with the team and the coach. I feel a lot of love from the fans."

AC Milan general manager Adriano Galliani earlier this week said the sides have started talking about a possible resolution. Arena had no comment on the situation after the team's closed scrimmage against Loyola Marymount University later that day, but on Thursday he did say the matter will be resolved one way or the other.

Even UEFA president Michel Platini got into the mix on Thursday, when the Canadian Press quoted him as saying there was a "question of ethics" at stake.

"My problem is not Beckham," Platini reportedly said. "It's Milan buying a player for three months. Why then, could they not buy a player for the one game, for the final?"

Milan officials have been so impressed with the play of Beckham, who has two goals and two assists in five games, they have included him on their roster for an upcoming UEFA Cup series against Werder Bremen.

Arena, who earlier joked he wouldn't be surprised if he heard rumors that he is interested in another job, said he doesn't pay attention to the various reports concerning Beckham.

"Whatever is on record I don't really concern myself with too much," he said. "This is a business, and we'll attend to this matter like we attend to every matter related to the Galaxy. We'll do whatever is in the best interest of the team and the organization.

"Most of the things I enjoy when I do read them. Not only those about David but everything. It's kind of humorous when you understand what's going on behind the scenes."

Arena, who said only a week ago that the Galaxy will live up to its end of the loan agreement and he expected Beckham to return to Los Angeles on March 9, said he will not let the drama affect his team's preparations during training camp.

"I won't let it be a distraction. It won't be," he said. "Whatever happens, happens, and whatever concludes will be in the best interests of the Galaxy."