Washington, Feb 2: David Beckham is all set to join AC Milan permanently, and live apart from wife Victoria and kids, according to reports.

The former England captain was transferred to the European club from Los Angeles Galaxy on a three-month loan.

Beckham's stint with AC Milan ends next month (Mar09), leaving his wife to jet between the U. S. and Europe.

While the pair''s three young children - Brooklyn, nine, six-year-old Romeo and Cruz, three - are schooled in L. A., the couple doesn't want to remove them while they are settled there.

Thus, the former Spice Girl and her Goldenballs have reportedly made the tough decision to live apart for the good of their family.

"It was a painful decision for Victoria and there were a lot of tears. She was really worried about leaving David behind in Italy. It brought back terrible memories of Madrid and all the stories about women and nightclubs," Contactmusic quoted a friend of the couple as telling the Mirror.

The pal added: "But what she likes about Milan is that it is a very family-friendly team. After the matches, it is very Italian and players are out with their wives and children. It''s not like Real Madrid where they were all egotistical, supergod players with their fast cars and champagne lifestyle."

In fact, Posh is already thinking of moving her fashion design studio from London to Milan, in order to work on her dVb clothing range when she jets over to see her hubby.

The source added: "She also realised she was fighting a losing battle - David is playing extremely well with Milan and she can see he has got his spark back. He knows if he is going to make the England World Cup 2010 team he has got to start playing top-flight football again. Posh decided she has to stay in Los Angeles for the children but will commute regularly to Milan." (ANI)