David Beckham considering staying with AC Milan

MILAN, Italy (AP)—David Beckham is enjoying his stay with AC Milan so much that he is considering remaining in Italy after his two-month loan expires.

“Playing here is the dream of every footballer,” Beckham said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. “But deciding isn’t easy. It’s a question that takes time.”

Beckham’s loan from the Los Angles Galaxy expires March 8, after which he is due to return to Major League Soccer.

“I’m under contract and I have a lot of respect for the Galaxy. But the chance to play for Milan is something special,” Beckham said in the interview, which was published in Italian. “I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. But in terms of character, I’m a very respectful person.”

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said Tuesday the seven-time European champions were prepared to pay a fee to keep Beckham, and would meet with his representatives in the next few days.

“I find (Milan) very similar to Manchester United. It has that tradition that only the great clubs have,” Beckham said. “At Milan, like at United, it’s a very particular atmosphere wherever you go, from the training pitch to the stadium.”

The former United and Real Madrid player scored his first goal for Milan in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Bologna.

His second came on Wednesday from a free kick 33 minutes into a match against Genoa, with England coach Fabio Capello looking on. The sharp-angled shot taken from the left of Genoa’s area put Milan ahead 1-0.

Beckham started in Milan’s three previous matches, and the Rossoneri did not lose, drawing with AS Roma and beating Fiorentina and Bologna.

Beckham hopes to be called up by Capello for a friendly against Spain on Feb. 11 and equal Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England appearances for an outfield player.

His ultimate goal is to make England’s team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and moving back to Los Angeles may hinder that bid. Capello was the one who suggested that Milan sign Beckham.

“The Americans are doing everything they can to improve the level and reputation of their game. It’s a young league and I think it needs another 10 years to become successful,” said Beckham, whose contract with the Galaxy lasts through 2012.

“I have to admit that, having played in Europe, sometimes it was frustrating playing in certain games. But every now and then, moving from one state to another, I also enjoyed myself.”

Beckham Goal - AC Milan vs Genoa - High Quality

Capello to cast eye over Beckham

England coach Fabio Capello will assess David Beckham's form on Wednesday ahead of the friendly against European champions Spain on 11 February.

Capello will be present to watch the 33-year-old midfielder play for AC Milan against Genoa.
"Barring any changes in his schedule, he will be at the San Siro," said Capello's son and manager, Pierfilippo.
If Beckham plays against Spain he will equal Bobby Moore's record of 108 England caps as an outfield player.
The former Manchester United player has already proved a hit with the Serie A giants.
He has started all three competitive games he has been available for and has helped Milan to two victories and a draw.
Beckham also played 45 minutes against Hamburg in a friendly draw in Dubai.
Last Sunday, Beckham scored his first goal for the club in the 4-1 win over Bologna.
Milan now want to extend Beckham's stay beyond the loan period.
"If Beckham comes to an agreement with Galaxy, we are ready to pay a figure. In the coming days we will meet his advisors," Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani told Italian broadcasters Sky Sport 24.
"If Los Angeles Galaxy decide not to sell him, they won't sell him."
Beckham's spokesman, Simon Oliveira, was unavailable for comment.
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, club lawyer Leandro Cantamessa and president Silvio Berlusconi had already expressed their desire to extend Beckham's stay at the San Siro.
But Galaxy coach Bruce Arena suggested that AC Milan should speak to the American club first before making their thoughts public.
"We've got two players out on loan agreements and those loans end 8 March," he said.
"We set conditions and we've lived up to our part of the loan agreements.
"I'm not sure if it's appropriate for club officials at the biggest clubs in the world to be making comments without having contact with us."
Ancelotti responded by stating that the only deal Milan has in place with Beckham is the current one.
"Milan is a serious club, a very serious club," he said.
"There is no new agreement with David. The current agreement is the contract which allows him to stay with Milan until 9 March.
"Then the decision is up to him and neither I nor the club want to get involved."

Source: BBC

Beckham Goal - AC Milan - Bologna - High Quality

Beckham off the mark for AC Milan

David Beckham scored his first goal for AC Milan in the Italian club's 4-1 Serie A victory against 10-man Bologna.

On loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy for three months, the England midfielder scored Milan's fourth goal, finishing off a slick move with a powerful shot.

Brazil's Kaka, who rejected a world record move to Manchester City last week, scored twice - a penalty and a shot from the edge of the box.

Milan's other goal was scored by veteran Dutchman Clarence Seedorf.

Milan got off to the worst possible start when Serie A top scorer Marco Di Vaio scored a ninth-minute penalty but Carlo Ancelotti's side soon drew level when Seedorf slid the ball home after Kaka's effort was parried.

Kaka then took control of the game, netting with a penalty and a superb left-foot shot, before Beckham wrapped up Milan's win.

"To score my first goal is great and I will keep this shirt, but the important thing is we won here," said Beckham, who is due to return to LA Galaxy on 9 March.

"I can't say what will happen," added Beckham, responding to growing speculation he might stay in Italy. "Even if my contract says that I'll be here until March. We'll have to see."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti added: "Our hands are tied because he has a clear contract.

"We can't do anything to change things, he can definitely do something. He must sort out his contract with the American team. I'm a realist - we'll take advantage of him for now."

Milan's Gattuso Impressed With Beckham

Milan midfield warrior Gennaro Gattuso is pleasantly surprised with the professionalism and work ethic displayed by new team-mate David Beckham.

The injured Milan midfielder Gattuso has been impressed with England midfielder Beckham since his arrival at the Rossoneri, in which time he has been somewhat of a revelation at the club.

Gattuso is out for several months following an injury to his cruciate knee ligament suffered in December, but Beckham has come in to fill his place in the team and is quickly becoming a favourite for both the players and Milan fans.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid dead ball expert is on a two-and-a-half month loan from his current club LA Galaxy in the MLS, and is set to return to the United States in time for the start of the American season.

Commenting on Beckham, Rhingio said, “He's surprised me in a positive way. He's a great professional, he arrives at training two or three hours early. He's not Kaka but he's a great player.

"He's playing in my position because I'm injured but we're completely different. For sure he sets up more goals than I do, but I win back more balls.”


Source: --Peter Pedroncelli, Goal.com

Beckham makes Milan Serie A debut

On-loan AC Milan midfielder David Beckham made his competitive Serie A debut against Roma on Sunday.

Beckham played 89 minutes in the Olympic Stadium before he was replaced by Mathieu Flamini as Milan drew 2-2.
The England international had been expected to start on the bench, but Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti played him on the right of a three-man midfield.
Beckham had not played a competitive game since the end of the MLS season with Los Angeles Galaxy in October.
"I found out I was going to start before the game during the team meeting," said the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player.
"I was very happy that the manager kept me on for as long as he did because it is important for me to get match fitness. To be honest, I felt better than I thought I would feel.
"I was surprised to have started the game but I am happy. Playing out there is what I love doing and I enjoyed it.
"I didn't think I would last that long but I felt so good. At half-time I felt really strong. I think the manager saw that I felt good, that I still had energy and he kept me on.
"Now I just hope to start some more games, but I will take one step at a time."
Ancelotti said Beckham, 33, had been rewarded for his commitment in training.

I decided to start with Beckham because he had demonstrated over the last few days that he was intelligent, serious and committed," said the Italian.
"This was his reward for settling in so quickly. I will never tire of pointing out that he is an exemplary professional who works hard."
Mirko Vucinic put Roma ahead midway through the first half with his third goal in three games against Milan when he blasted home.
Just after the interval, Alexandre Pato equalised when he tapped in Kaka's cross - and the 19-year-old Brazilian striker soon clipped in a superb second.
Montenegro striker Vucinic again netted with a diving header on 72 minutes to secure Roma a point.
Beckham's stint with the Italian club ends in March, when the Major League Soccer season resumes, but it has been suggested that he may be tempted to extend his stay at Milan if his spell goes well.
The midfielder added after the match: "The contract and the agreement is that I go back to LA on March 8th or 9th so I'm going to enjoy it up to then and we'll see.

It is great to play at this club and to be out there with some great players.
"I'm enjoying being part of this team and training with these players but I will take it one step at a time.
"It's pretty amazing to be among some of those players and I'm glad to just give them the ball and they'll deliver."
The Italian press gave Beckham average marks for his performance.
"Ninety minutes that nobody expected," reported the Gazetta dello Sport, which gave the player six out of ten. "He played hard, crossed, shot and helped with humility. For his debut it was enough."
The Rome-based Corriere dello Sport, which also gave Beckham a six for his display, was less complimentary.
"He made few errors, without shining, in the first half," the paper commented. "In the second half, he exited nearly completely from the scene."
It added that Beckham "seemed disorientated, and had trouble understanding where his position on the field should be".
One of the reasons Beckham moved to Italy was to help him maintain his fitness as he seeks to prolong his international career.
England's next game is a friendly against European champions Spain on 11 February.
If selected, Beckham would equal Bobby Moore's outfield record of 108 caps.

Milan hopeful over Beckham stay

AC Milan are optimistic David Beckham will be able to extend his two-month loan with them from LA Galaxy.

The 33-year-old played 88 minutes of Sunday's 2-2 draw with Roma and Milan have been hugely impressed with him.
Milan technical director Leonardo told BBC Sport: "It was a fantastic match for David and he gave us a lot. We are very happy with him.
"We have an agreement that he will stay for two months (but) everything is possible. We will see."
The 2009 MLS season gets under way on 19 March, with LA Galaxy kicking off against DC United on 22 March.
Leonardo, a World Cup-winner with Brazil in 1994, had only expected Beckham to be able to play for an hour against Roma with the former England captain lacking recent match practice.
It was Beckham's first competitive match for three months since the end of the MLS season.
"We thought perhaps he could play for 45 or 60 minutes, but he played the whole match in a very important way," said Leonardo.

When he finished, he was still very fit - his condition was perfect. The preparation he did during our trip to Dubai earlier this month was very important.
"It gave him time for conditioning training and we were able to test and assess him. His fitness is very, very good.
"To play against Roma in his first match was very tough but he ran, fought and defended."
Leonardo said Beckham, who was replaced late on by former Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, had quickly fitted in with the other players at the San Siro.
"Obviously we knew about him before, but when you work with someone every day you get to know them much better," he said.
"David is a very, very smart guy. He adjusted quickly and was open to new things. The other players accepted him in a very positive way, it was fantastic.
"We have a week before our next match and I think David will be very important for us while he is here."
Milan are third in Serie A, nine points behind leaders Inter, but Leonardo thinks Beckham can help them climb the table.

The agreement is to go back to LA on 8 or 9 March... we'll enjoy it and then see
David Beckham"We have some great players here. Pato was fantastic against Roma, scoring two goals, and Kaka came to the fore in the second half.
"When you also consider players of the quality of Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and David, you see we can grow together as a team."
Beckham himself refused to be drawn on whether he would stay at Milan beyond his two-month loan.
"The agreement is to go back to LA on 8 or 9 March and we'll enjoy it until then and then see," he told BBC Sport.
The midfielder, who will hope to equal Bobby Moore's record of 108 England caps against Spain in February, was delighted with his form on his first competitive start for Milan.
"It was great," he said. "I didn't expect to start, but I enjoyed it. It was great to be out there with some of the players in that team.
"I felt great, a lot better and stronger than I thought I was going to feel. I was glad the manager kept me on for as long as he did because obviously I need time on the field to get match fitness."
And speaking ahead of Monday's Fifa world player of the year ceremony in Zurich, Brazilian star Kaka said of his new team-mate: "David has shown that he is a player ready to run the extra mile.
"The first matches showed quite clearly what his qualities are and his passing ability and his capacity to play well.
"Perhaps these first two months will lead to six months or to one year, to more contracts. I certainly would like to play more with him."

Source:BBC

Beckham to start on Milan bench

On-loan AC Milan midfielder David Beckham will start as a substitute for his first Serie A game at AS Roma on Sunday, coach Carlo Ancelotti has said.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder, who is spending two months at Milan, has not played a competitive game since the end of the MLS season in October.

"David is ready even if he has been out for two months, but it is therefore tough to start him," said Ancelotti.

Beckham played 45 minutes for Milan in Tuesday's friendly draw with Hamburg.

The England international's stint with the Italian club ends in March, when the Major League Soccer season resumes, but it has been suggested that he may be tempted to extend his stay at Milan if his spell goes well.

However, Ancelotti played down those rumours, saying: "He is ready to give an important contribution and we at Milan are happy he will be with us, if only for two months.

"If then he wants to stay with us, it would be great but the contract he has with Milan is clear and I believe he will respect it."

Still, Ancelotti admits he has been delighted with Beckham, adding that he would offer a a glowing report on the 33-year-old if England coach Fabio Capello asked for one.

"If he wants a report I would only have positive things to say (about Beckham) because I have trained many players but it is not easy to find one with the professionalism Beckham is showing," said Ancelotti.

England face Spain in a friendly on 11 February, while third-placed Milan are returning to Serie A action after a three-week mid-season break on Sunday.

"If then he wants to stay with us, it would be great but the contract he has with Milan is clear and I believe he will respect it."

Still, Ancelotti admits he has been delighted with Beckham, adding that he would offer a a glowing report on the 33-year-old if England coach Fabio Capello asked for one.

"If he wants a report I would only have positive things to say (about Beckham) because I have trained many players but it is not easy to find one with the professionalism Beckham is showing," said Ancelotti.

England face Spain in a friendly on 11 February, while third-placed Milan are returning to Serie A action after a three-week mid-season break on Sunday.

Beckham 'may not return to MLS'

Former LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas said he would not be surprised if David Beckham did not to return to America after his loan with AC Milan.

The England midfielder's stint with the Italian club ends in March, when the Major League Soccer season resumes.

Lalas, who in 2007 signed Beckham on a five-year contract with the Galaxy, told BBC Radio 5 Live: "If I was still at the Galaxy, yes, I'd fear it."

But Beckham's spokesman Simon Oliveira insisted he would return to the Galaxy.

He said: "Whilst we respect Alexi's right to an opinion, he has not been party to any contractual discussions on the loan agreement to Milan.

"As David has said recently, he will be back in the US for 9 March and with LA Galaxy for the start of the MLS season."

Beckham played for 45 minutes on his Milan debut as the Serie A giants beat Hamburg 4-3 on penalties in Dubai on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old joined Milan in a bid to prove his fitness and regain his England place after being told by England manager Fabio Capello that inactivity during the MLS off-season would result in his likely omission from the next squad.

Lalas feared that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player would not want to return to the MLS after playing in a star-studded line-up featuring the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka and Andriy Shevchenko.

However, the former USA defender added that Beckham's "desire to prove people wrong" after an uninspiring first two seasons in the MLS hampered by injury, may entice the midfielder back across the Atlantic.

"I think he wants to do well with the Galaxy but you only have one career," said Lalas.

"The experience he's going to have at Milan will benefit him individually, how much it benefits the Galaxy and the people that are ultimately paying the majority of his wages remains to be seen.

"He's back in his comfort zone at AC Milan, playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a tremendous amount of talent around him, with incredible money out there on the field so it must be, in a weird way for him, a relief to get out there."

Lalas, who played for Padova in Serie A, insisted LA Galaxy and the MLS would survive the post-Beckham era.

"Any manager, to a certain extent, wants David Beckham on their team but I also think David Beckham is not bigger than the Galaxy, nor is he bigger than Major League Soccer," said Lalas.

"The Galaxy will go on and do tremendous things, as will Major League Soccer, well beyond David Beckham's time.

"The Galaxy will survive without David Beckham, whether that is three years from now or three months from now. Either way, they will survive.

"I hope he comes back rejuvenated, but I also hope it doesn't catch up with him in the middle of the season if he does come back to MLS, that's a danger and that's something I'd be wary of."