Fans of Major League Soccer, the Los Angeles Galaxy and the American soccer scene have a lot to learn about the way European Soccer clubs barter and posture for their talent.

At least AC Milan and David Beckham would have you think so.

Milan, of Italian Serie A received Beckham on loan in October and want to keep him permanently. MLS signed Beckham in January of 2007, securing the most marketable soccer persona in the English-speaking world. At the time, it was hoped that the signing would bring exposure to the foundering soccer league as well as increase TV exposure and ticket sales in MLS's new soccer-specific stadiums.

Beckham certainly did do that. Many of his games were telecast on national TV. He signed endorsement contracts like with Sharpie Pens, and while most Americans could not even name another MLS player, almost everyone on this country knew the name David Beckham even before he arrived on our shores as a player.

However, in world soccer terms, think of his leaving the likes of Real Madrid and coming to the Galaxy as Tom Brady leaving the New England Patriots and playing a couple of seasons for the Randolph Oilers.

While Beckham has certainly lived up the hype, the on-the-field results have been less than spectacular. The Galaxy have never competed for an MLS Cup while Beckham has been part of the team. The team could not not even keep a head coach, having had four in his two seasons. The widely held opinion in Europe is that Beckham's time in MLS is a waste as he simply doesn't not have the caliber of player to compliment his advanced European-style game. Put yourself in Beckham's boots-would rather be passing to Ronaldinho or Landon Donovan? Would you rather play in front of 60,000 or 25,000?

Head-to-head, it is no contest. AC Milan and Europe have the clout, cash and fan base to rival all of MLS, not just the Galaxy. Which is why the Galaxy should be taken out of the equation.

This battle is Beckham and AC Milan against MLS. Beckham's professed love for his new home in Italy has not made this easy, as he clearly missed Euro soccer and still hopes to play for England in the World Cup in 2010. And, to be truthful, other than his contract, Beckham owes MLS and American soccer fans nothing-he brought them the exposure they wanted and fans got to see a wonderful player in his declining years.

And while American soccer fans are na