A look back at the Azkals-LA Galaxy Dream Cup match

Bend it like Beckham: David Beckham treated Pinoy fans for some world class football.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

I remember hearing rumors about the LA Galaxy possibly playing a friendly match against the Philippine Azkals a couple of months ago. Fast forward to December, David Beckham and co. landed in Manila 2 days prior to the match day. As I was watching, images of the team on TV talking about how excited they were of playing here in the country is truly a good feeling. Of course I wasn't satisfied with just seeing them on the boob tube.

David Beckham hearts Milan.

David Beckham hopes to stay longer in Milan, Italy.
(Photo by New Press/Getty Images)

Being in Italy is perhaps the one thing he's always wanted. He loves the country (and the city) so much, he'd do anything to extend his stay in Milan. It's no secret that he his personal preferences to stay with the Italian club. In fact, he wants the whole world to know what he's really cooking up. But seriously, nobody can deny his desire to play for his beloved England.

"There's a few reasons for staying with Milan. One is I'm playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world and with some of the best players in the world. I'm passionate about that," Beckham told the BBC.

"Obviously the one everyone talks about is it gives me a chance to play in the 2010 World Cup. I personally have to do everything I can to be involved in that."

"Everyone knows how passionate I am about playing for my country and if this gives me a better chance of being involved in that squad that's great."

The football world is wondering: just how bad does good ol' Becks wants to remain in an AC Milan uniform? Simple: sacrifice some of his hard-earned cash for him to stay and he'll be a happy Englishman. That sure made a lot of buzz all over. AC Milan execs clearly took notice of his interest with the club.

“A lot of players show their affection just with words. David Beckham is one of the very few who has shown it with deeds,” AC Milan chairman Adriano Galliani said Sunday on Italian state television.

“He has made an incredible economic commitment, paying a lot of money from his own pocket,” Galliani added.

Very touching indeed. Getting some love from the club's chairman as well. AC Milan is willing to spend a lot of money just to keep Becks in the team. On the other hand, it won't be easy for them to extend his services. The LA Galaxy are expecting his return to California in July. That means, David Beckham will have to don his Galaxy jersey in MLS but will miss a few games in the league's upcoming season after his loan with Milan expires.

The MLS soccer team are currently trying to close out the deal with the Italian club. Talks between the two teams are still far from over. Simply put, Beckham won't be jumping ship to AC Milan until his contract with the LA Galaxy is done. Sorry Becks, it's time for you to be a man and finish what you started in LA LA Land. Looks like Hollywood will have to do for now. It can't be that bad perhaps. Milan ain't going anywhere, you know. At least, you're still popular in America.

Becks have a lot to think about.

Football star David Beckham donning an AC Milan uniform.
(Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

David Beckham must surely be having the time of his life playing for a top Italian football club like AC Milan. Everything going as planned for him perhaps. He may be the most popular footballer at the moment but he sure has a lot in his hands. His decision making skills could possibly cost him a lot of setbacks at the height of his career. Choosing between a World Cup Championship in the future or protecting his own personal goals is something worth pondering on.

"It's not easy to decide. It's a matter that requires time. I'm under contract with, and have lots of respect for, Galaxy," Beckham told Corriere della Sera newspaper. "But the possibility to play at Milan is something special."

He's indeed no stranger to, shall we say, surprising news of playing in different places. Remember his move to Real Madrid from Manchester United then left for America to play in LA? Lucky for him he still has his charm in the football world but he shouldn't forget about his contract with the LA Galaxy. He chose to sign with the Galaxy, he better stick to his guns. Perhaps, the only reason he's playing in Milan is to simply get away from the frustration of his experience playing in the United States.

Nobody knows what's really on Beckham's mind, whatever they are. The thing is, Becks better realize that with every decision he makes could either make or break his career. So many doors to choose from, so to speak but only one door should be opened and he's only got 2 months. The clock is ticking.