David Beckham agrees deal to return to AC Milan

David Beckham has agreed a deal with AC Milan that will see him join the Serie A side in January from the Los Angeles Galaxy. The arrangement was widely anticipated, and will follow the end of the US Major League Soccer (MLS) season, where the west coast club is still challenging for honours.

"I need to give myself the best chance to make the World Cup squad - playing for Milan will help me," said Beckham. "I'm committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America. I'm completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup."

It will be the second time that Beckham has played for AC Milan - the 34-year-old joined the rossoneri in January 2009 and stayed with them for the second half of the Italian season, scoring two goals in 18 appearances and aiding their push for a Champions League spot. He became a firm favourite of the San Siro crowd after displaying some of the skills that had previously wowed Manchester United and Real Madrid fans.

The need to return to AC Milan came after he was told by England coach Fabio Capello that unless he was playing regular football in a strong European league then it was unlikely that he would be part of the squad being taken to next summer's World Cup in South Africa. This warning alerted many clubs, including Premier League sides such as Spurs and Chelsea, where his boss at Milan from last season, Carlo Ancelotti, now manages, to his availability. But Becks' heart was set on a return to Serie A.

"We are very happy to see again David Beckham with the Rossoneri jersey after the splendid experience of last season," AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said on the club's website. "We are certain that this time in Europe will help the player take part in the next World Cup and to continue after his career in Los Angeles Galaxy, to whom we thank for their time."