David Beckham on Milan, Madrid and returning to the Galaxy

If Florentino gets in, which is looking likely, then I think it's the best thing for the club. I think he's a great man. He's a man who knows the club inside out. He's a man who always does the best for the players, the club and the fans. He's a president who creates an excitement with his passion for the game.

Q: Do you still own your home in Madrid?

A: Funnily enough, I do. I've been trying to sell it, but obviously no luck yet because of the [economic] crisis.

Q: Major League Soccer said it received $10 million for you to stay with Milan through the end of this season. Was all of that, or the majority of it, paid out of your pocket, and why did you think it was necessary to make that sort of commitment?

A: I'm not sure what the actual figure was, but I did contribute quite a huge sum. It was something that I felt I had to do to stay here for the rest of the season, and I accepted it.

At the end of the day, it's a hell of a lot of money, but it's something I really needed to do.

Q: What are your thoughts on returning to MLS and the Galaxy in July?

A: I'm excited about it. I'm really looking forward to it. I've been in Milan for six months, and I've enjoyed my time immensely. But I've always said, and I will always say, that I am still committed to MLS and to the Galaxy, no matter what anyone says.

Q: What sort of reception are you expecting from the Galaxy players and the fans?

A: I don't think there'll be any problem with the players. There was no problem when I sat in front of the players and said the reasons why I was doing it [going to Milan on loan]. Players came up to me and said, 'Why would you even need to explain that?' So the players understand.

On the fans side, I hope they realize by now the reasons why I made this move. I'm sure they do deep down. I'm sure they'll be supportive when I come back. But you never know. Things could be good. Things could be bad. I can only play the game and enjoy myself. I've had quite a bit of stick [fan abuse] at certain grounds in England, so I'm sure I can take it.

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grahame.jones@latimes.com