CARSON, Calif. -- It was only a couple of days ago that Los Angeles Galaxy head coach/general manager Bruce Arena was talking about a sense of normality returning to the team after the announcement that Landon Donovan was coming back.
That sense became even more tangible on Sunday after the Galaxy reached a loan extension with AC Milan that would allow midfielder David Beckham to stay with the Serie A club until the end of the Italian league's regular season in late May. Beckham then will return to southern California in early July and be eligible to play for the Galaxy on July 16 against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
"Now we know where we're headed," Arena said. "Certainly we can continue with our plans for the season. This is great for us and a real positive for the Galaxy."
Sunday's announcement ends a much-publicized tug of war between AC Milan and the Galaxy, one which grew a bit testy at times. Beckham has played in 12 games for Milan, including Sunday's 3-0 victory against Atalanta, and had stated a desire to remain there ever since his loan started in January. The agreement not only gives Beckham an opportunity in November to buy out the remaining two years of his five-year contract with the Galaxy, but it also includes an exhibition between AC Milan and the Galaxy on July 19 at The Home Depot Center.
"This certainly sets the stage for a great season for our fans and we truly appreciate their patience as we have worked through all of our issues," said Tim Leiweke, president and CEO of AEG, the investor-operator of the Galaxy, in a statement. "Much has been written and said, but all along it has been our intention to keep David Beckham as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy.
"We are pleased he is returning and at the same time, we feel it is important to allow him to finish his run in Milan, as it has been a remarkable run."
It was only a day earlier that AC Milan chairman Carlo Ancelotti praised Beckham for his commitment to the team and his willingness to forfeit what he said will be a great deal of money.
"All players express their affection for a club," Ancelotti said on the team's website, "but few have showed it in a tangible manner by renouncing a mountain of money. Beckham is one of these."
Arena admitted he occasionally grew frustrated as talks dragged on and also discounted various overseas reports that said Beckham didn't want to return. Arena said he contacted Beckham by e-mail on Sunday and the English standout said he was looking forward to rejoining the Galaxy in July.
"He is happy he is coming back," Arena said. "He wants to take on this challenge. If he wasn't interested in being here, he wouldn't have done this."
Beckham, in a statement released by the Galaxy, sounded relieved the saga finally is over.
"I'm really grateful to the LA Galaxy and AC Milan for making this dream deal happen," he was quoted as saying. "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.
"My family is happy and settled and will remain in LA. The perfect result for 2009 would be for me to help Milan to reach the Champions League and for the LA Galaxy to make the playoffs and win the MLS Cup Playoffs."
The Galaxy also announced a 10 percent cut on average in ticket prices, and those fans who already have purchased seats will be given refunds in the amount of the roll back. Tom Payne, the Galaxy's president of business operations, said he felt it was the "right thing to do."
"This is something we've actually thought about doing for quite a while," Payne said. "The economy is the biggest issue. If our fans have to decide whether to pay the bills or buy a Galaxy ticket, it's not a difficult decision."
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