David Beckham Will Train With Tottenham But Loan Deal Called Off
A short-term (2 month) loan deal for David Beckham to Tottenham Hotspur will not happen. Instead, the LA Galaxy midfielder, will train for a few weeks with Tottenham before returning to LA to start pre-season for the 2011 MLS season. It’s unclear on why the loan didn’t happen as many reports had it close to a done deal. Beckham will train with Spurs until February 10 when he returns to LA.
It’s quite possible that the Galaxy just didn’t want to let Beckham leave on loan and risk another injury. It’s the last season of Beckham’s contract with the Galaxy and it’s all but sure he’ll return to Europe to finish his career. If Beckham were to get injured while on loan, it would be the second straight year (last year he ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan).
In the end, this is the best decision for the Galaxy and Major League Soccer. Beckham will be able to train with the Galaxy in pre-season and the club is expected to be one of the favorites to win the 2011 MLS Cup. Below are comments from Harry Redknapp as well as Beckham on the decision.
“David is a fantastic professional – he will be a great influence around the place and I am sure we will all benefit from his winning mentality,” Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said. “I think everyone will enjoy having him here. We’d love to have him here for longer but respect his commitments to LA Galaxy. They wanted him back in early February so that made it difficult to do a playing deal on the basis of three weeks.”
“It’s important that I maintain a high level of fitness during the MLS off season,” Beckham said. “I’m thankful to Tottenham and Harry Redknapp for giving me the opportunity to train with the team over the next month. I’m grateful to the LA Galaxy for allowing to me to train with Spurs. I look forward to getting to work as soon as possible.”
