GLASGOW, Scotland - David Beckham wants to make his stay at AC Milan permanent and leave the Los Angeles Galaxy to remain in contention for England at the 2010 World Cup.
The 33-year-old midfielder's three-month stint in Italy is due to end on March 8, but after impressing in Serie A he wants to cut short his five-year contract with Major League Soccer.
Beckham made the announcement on Wednesday after playing the first half of Milan's 2-2 friendly draw at Glasgow Rangers, despite the Galaxy reiterating that it wants Beckham back when the loan ends.
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani and coach Carlo Ancelotti have made clear they would love to pry Beckham away from a US$32.5 million MLS contract that has around three years remaining. The Galaxy had no immediate comment.
"At the moment my lawyers are not talking to the Galaxy but I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now and it's just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement," Beckham said. "I have enjoyed my time here. I knew I would enjoy it but I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I have and do as well as I have."
Since arriving, Beckham has scored twice and helped to lift Milan up to second place in the Serie A standings.
He has also been included in Milan's 25-man roster for UEFA Cup games against Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and 26.
"I've expressed my desire to stay here for a while but at the moment I'm still a Galaxy player," Beckham said. "I respect the Galaxy and everything they have done for me. They have always been great to me.
"But I hope they can come to an agreement and it's down to the clubs now. At this point it's out of my hands. I've said what my feelings are to both clubs."
The former Manchester United star wants to maintain his place in the England side and play at a fourth World Cup. Fabio Capello's team was top of European qualifying Group Six after winning its first four matches.
He hopes to feature in next Wednesday's friendly at Spain after being left out of the team that won 2-1 in Germany in November because of his lack of match fitness.
Beckham moved to California in 2007 after being shunned by Capello at Real Madrid, but has won the Italian over since he took charge of England.
"When I was first thinking about going on loan, obviously I asked his advice on where I should play and he said, 'All I can say to you is play at the highest level,"' Beckham said. "To be given the chance again to play at this level at my age is pretty incredible and I've enjoyed it so much I would like to continue it.
"I think people have seen the way I've been since playing at this level again. ... I want to have a chance of being involved in 2010 and I believe my best chance of doing so is to remain here."
Beckham gave the Galaxy hope that he will return if they let him stay in Italy.
"Who knows, I might enjoy myself in the MLS again in the future -- it's nothing against the league," he said. "It's just I have enjoyed myself so much here I want to stay for a while."
