Becks fit for Italian job, says Ince
LONDON: Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince is one of several leading English soccer figures who believe David Beckham will be a success in the Italian game if he joins AC Milan on loan.
The Italian giants said Wednesday they were confident of signing the England midfielder for a short spell in between seasons of Major League Soccer, where Beckham plays for LA Galaxy.
And Ince, who had a spell with Inter Milan after playing alongside Beckham at United, has no doubts about his former Old Trafford and England colleague's ability to adapt to the Italian game.
"His quality with the ball is the best I have ever witnessed. He is an inspirational player, he has been great for English football, he's an ambassador and a really good friend.
"It will be interesting to see how he gets on with the language but he can call me for a few tips.
"Mind you I would rather he signed for Inter than AC! I wish him all the best though." Ince said bringing Beckham to Blackburn was beyond the confines of his budget: "I would love to sign him but I just can't."
Beckham needs to continue playing first-team soccer if he is to continue to get picked by England manager Fabio Capello and break 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps for an outfield player.
AC Milan's coach Carlo Ancelotti said Beckham could be an alternative to Italy's Andrea Pirlo as a deep midfield playmaker if he completes a loan move.
"David can cover all the positions in midfield," Ancelotti was quoted as saying by Thursday's La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He could also play in Pirlo's position."
Galaxy play the final match of their Major League Soccer campaign against Dallas on Sunday and if a deal is agreed, Beckham would join Milan in January before returning to Los Angeles for the start of the new season in late March.
Capello, whose side have won four out of four as they bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, has hinted he would only pick Beckham for February's proposed friendly with Spain if he was playing.
During the last MLS close season, Beckham trained at English Premier League club Arsenal but was overlooked by Capello.
Agencies/AFP
(China Daily 10/24/2008 page23)
