Beckham taking nothing for granted at Milan

Videos
Photos

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-12-22 09:59

ROME: David Beckham has admitted he might struggle to get into AC Milan's first team during his loan spell with the Italian giants as he was unveiled to the world's media at the club's training ground.

Italian soccer club AC Milan's newly signed player David Beckham of Britain holds his jersey as he waves during a presentation at San Siro Stadium in Milan December 21, 2008. [Agencies]

The former England captain stressed he did not expect to "arrive here and change everything."

"It will be difficult to get in the team as it always is at a big club," said Beckham, whose loan spell runs until March 8 when he rejoins Los Angeles Galaxy for the start of the new Major League Soccer season.

"It is tough at any of the biggest clubs in the world to go straight into the team - it just doesn't happen.

"But right now I'm in better form than was expected of me. I hope to train hard with my new teammates. But I don't want to upset the balance that's already here, I want to help the team.

"There are players such as (Paolo) Maldini, Ronaldinho and others here, players that I have admired and tried to copy.

"I don't expect to arrive here and change everything. It's a great opportunity for me and I hope to have fun."

Beckham, 33, is on the verge of equalling Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps for an England outfield player.

But he accepted Fabio Capello, who pointed him in Milan's direction, would not select him if he was playing reserve team soccer on a day when England's Italian manager said he would not be swayed by sentimental considerations.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was officially presented to the media on Saturday after completing a medical.

He stayed in Milan to watch the club's match against Udinese at the San Siro on Sunday before leaving Italy on Monday.

Beckham will return on Dec 29 and join his new teammates at the club's winter training camp in Dubai before trying to force his way into the Milan first team, something he admits won't be easy.

Beckham also revealed that he had sought the advice of Capello, whom he played under at Real Madrid.

"He has been and is someone I have a lot of respect for. When I thought about this move I asked him for his advice. I had said I preferred joining Milan but I wanted to play in Italy because I wanted to play at the top level.

"And Capello asked me to only play at the top level. It's right that he only picks me if I'm playing for my club.

"I've played for the biggest club in England, the biggest club in Spain and now I want to play for the biggest club in Italy."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said Beckham would have to earn his place in the team, despite Gennaro Gattuso being injured.

AFP