The “brand Beckham” thing makes the issue vastly more complex than it actually is. At the end of the day, I dont think Milan would have bought him to the club if it were based on his footballing abilities alone. There are so many players who have been on their way out that havent been given the chance to perform with such huge clubs. Set pieces, ok, he still does the business, but at the end of the day Ronaldinho was still on set pieces in the Roma match.

To go a bit further, no matter how much money AEG (LA Galaxy owners) and MLS put into the deal, the way they treated Beckham on his arrival was horrifying — anyone with common sense was relieved that no permanent damage was done by playing him injured. Now, also adding to what has been said in previous comments, sacked Galaxy personnel are coming out of the woodwork to lay each of the team’s faults at Beckham’s feet, with nary a word from above. Talk about poor form.

I might feel bad for the fans if Beckham did not return to LA — the more important of two things I suspect would draw him back — he didn’t play well for much of last season and he would want to put that right if his history is any indicator. The second draw would be his commitment to his teammates in LA, but which of them would not jump at the chance to enjoy the players at Milan and atmosphere at San Siro. I can’t imagine they could hold it against him.

As for owing the Galaxy or MLS anything, they made enough to cover the whole five years of his contract within six months of his arrival, they’re poorly managed from above and their back room has been a shambles. For someone with a couple of years left to play, possibly, staying in hopes that’s sorted is a huge risk.

I respectfully disagree. First of all, we don’t know the exact term of the “out clause.” Not all “out clauses” are as cut-and-dried as one party simply saying “I’m done” to the other party. We don’t know if there are any conditions attached to it that might make things complicated.

Secondly, Beckham has stated, repeatedly, that he is committed to the Galaxy and intends to return. If he then goes back on his word and decides that he likes life in Milan after all, then that is unprofessional.

I agree that he has the right to do what’s best for himself and his family. If he wants to stay in shape and remain in the England picture for a few months rather than stay in L.A. and go to Lakers games and learn about Scientology from Tom Cruise, then I have no problem with that. But he signed a contract with MLS, not just for his $250 million, but for a chance to make American soccer relevant. We all knew he wouldn’t be Pele, but we expected that he would do his best in order to boost MLS’ profile. Quitting on the team because he likes Milan isn’t right. I hope that he stays true to his word and goes back to L.A.

But Victor Li..I don’t think if he left LA to go to Milan it will deem him as unprofessional anymore. Besides, it is revealed now that his contract has an out clause after 2009. If you have a better future for your life, your career..would you not take it? Of course you would..and so would him I hope. He deserves only the best (or better) after all of his hard work and things he sacrifices for this game, not to mention his personal life. And it will do Galaxy good too!