David Beckham’s AC move angers US fans

The news that David Beckham (pictured with his wife, Victoria) wants to sign a permanent contract with AC Milan, where he has been on a free loan since January, has provoked howls of outrage from supporters of L A Galaxy, the American club he joined 18 months ago. Promising to help raise the profile of pro soccer in the United States, he was rewarded with a five-year deal worth $125m, way out of his new locker-room colleagues’ league.

One Galaxy supporter, writing in one of the team's chatrooms, said: "Here's hoping that he never comes back. Don't come looking for a payday when you are done after the 2010 World Cup. Don't even bother coming back to the US, much less LA. Because of this guy, we pay the highest ticket, food, parking and merchandise prices. I want a partial refund for what this guy has given us."

Another fan said: "I feel stupid for being fooled. I thought Beckham was seriously interested in trying to develop soccer in this country. I guess it was all just talk."

The team's owners had repeatedly insisted that Beckham would return at the end of the current agreement with AC Milan in March, but the former England captian made his feelings clear last night after AC drew 2-2 with Glasgow Rangers, saying: "I have expressed my desire now to stay in Milan and hopefully the clubs can come to some agreement."

While his decision to leave is betrayal enough, the fans’ anger is no doubt compounded by the fact Beckham, 33, proved something of a damp squib when he was in the US, missing games through injury, turning out lackluster performances and not, despite all the hype, greatly improving their ranking in the league. In Milan, he has scored twice in two consecutive Serie A games.