The prospect of David Beckham making an emotional return to the English Premier League is the talk of January's customary comings and goings. But while Britain may be buzzing, America's love affair with the veteran could be on the rocks.
Hailed as the messiah of Major League Soccer (MLS) when he signed four years ago, Beckham is still waiting for his first piece of silverware with Los Angeles Galaxy after a succession of injuries that have limited him to just 55 appearances. And although soccer's future seems solid, Beckham's presence in Southern California has done little to change the national sporting landscape.
So it is understandable that some LA fans are voicing their dismay at the former England captain's eagerness to go on a third loan spell across the Atlantic Ocean.
'How about this selfish damn pig plays at least half the games in a Galaxy season at least once during his contract,' was one comment on an MLS online forum. 'How about he shows some commitment to this club to match his words?'
Beckham has apparently discovered that the reality of living and playing in the US is a lot different to what he'd imagined when he was enticed away from Real Madrid in 2007. It's not all movie stars, palm trees and Santa Monica sunsets as he grinds it out alongside lesser teammates more familiar with Memphis and Milwaukee than Milan or Manchester.
Having been accustomed to countries where soccer reigns supreme, he seems to need a regular off-season 'fix' of Europe's top leagues. In theory, it keeps Beckham match-fit for possible England duty, but it also does wonders for his emotional well-being. It must be tough for this billionaire in the making to play second fiddle to the Los Angeles Lakers or the Anaheim Angels whenever he wears a Galaxy shirt.