Following prolonged negotiations between both parties, the MLS side finally accepted Milan's request to keep the veteran winger until June 2009.

"I'm really grateful to the LA Galaxy and AC Milan for making this dream deal happen," said Beckham in a statement.

"It allows me to play for AC Milan and the LA Galaxy in the same year, and at the same time to continue my commitment to develop soccer in the United States, which is something I am passionate about.

"My family is happy and settled and will remain in LA. The perfect result for 2009 would be for me to help Milan to reach the Champions League and for the LA Galaxy to make the play-offs and win the MLS Cup."

Beckham, who joined Milan last December, was supposed to return to LA on Saturday, according to the original agreement with Galaxy.

But the England midfielder put in some increasingly impressive displays in the Serie A, forcing the Rossoneri to hold on to his services.