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Beckham to rejoin AC Milan

Milan - David Beckham has signed a deal to rejoin AC Milan on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy in January, the Italian club said on Monday.

A statement on the club website (www.acmilan.com) said the the 34-year-old England midfielder would be at Milan from January to June.

Beckham, who made the same loan move last season, wants to play in Europe to try to keep his place in the England squad for the World Cup starting in South Africa on June 11.

"We are very happy to resee David Beckham in the red and black shirt after the splendid experience of last season," Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani said in the statement.

"We are sure that this period in Europe will help the player to take part in the next World Cup and then to continue his career at Los Angeles Galaxy, whom we thank for their help."

His second loan has been in the pipeline for several months and, although media reports said some English Premier League clubs had been interested, Beckham has always said his first choice was to return to Milan.

Beckham upset Galaxy fans and officials last season when he decided to stay in Italy until the end of the campaign rather than return to Los Angeles in March under the original deal.

He missed the start of the Major League Soccer season and when he returned to the Galaxy in July, one of the world's most marketable sportsmen was booed by his own fans in a friendly ironically against Milan.

His relationship with Galaxy fans has improved however, after he helped the team win their MLS division and qualify for the playoffs this month.

Galaxy officials also made it clear that as long as Beckham again returned to the U.S to complete his deal until 2012, they would assist him in finding another loan to Europe if it meant he could fulfil his World Cup ambition.

The former captain has mainly been used a substitute by England coach Fabio Capello, who looks poised to include him in his squad for the World Cup given Beckham has carried out the Italian's wish and gained another loan stint at Milan.

Beckham impressed early in his first spell at the San Siro, providing some much needed crosses to the stuttering side, but his form faded towards the end of last season.

Much has changed at Milan since May, with coach Carlo Ancelotti heading to Chelsea and being replaced by Brazilian rookie Leonardo.

The Rossoneri had a dreadful start to this season but the recent 3-2 win at Real Madrid in the Champions League has helped re-ignite their campaign.

Leonardo has indicated that Beckham, England's most capped outfield player, will be a useful squad addition but a recent switch to a 4-3-3 formation may not especially suit the winger.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has said Beckham will be joined in January by Ghana Under-20 striker Dominic Adiyiah.

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