Tom Oldfield
Fashion and drama have been such a big part of David Beckham’s career that it is fitting that he is spending this two-month loan period in Milan – a city famous for catwalks, opera and shopping among many other things.
This current chapter in Beckham’s football journey, which has included a Champions League winners medal and league titles in England and Spain, is proving a fascinating watch. Billed as a chance to keep fit while his LA Galaxy team-mates enjoy their MLS break, the former England captain has stunned many by forcing his way into the plans of AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti.
When the deal was agreed in December, Ancelotti hinted at Beckham playing a part in Milan’s quest for silverware. He told the media: “Certainly there is a place for him because he is a great player. He is very well-prepared tactically and he can give a contribution to this team. He is in good condition and if he is one of the 11 names on the team sheet, then it is because he deserves to be there.”
But as he arrived in Italy, Beckham generally placed the emphasis on staying in peak condition and profiting from training with stars such as Ronaldinho, Kaka and Andrea Pirlo. Deep down, though, he must have known that he had the chance to become a fixture in the first team. He is due to represent the Rossoneri until 9th March under the terms of the loan, meaning there are numerous matches ahead for him.
And, with Kaka remaining at the club despite Manchester City’s offer of around £100 million during the transfer window, Milan look a formidable side with Beckham adding another dimension to their play. His merchandising value needs no explanation but it is his tireless work rate and sublime range of passing that are really impressing the knowledgeable Italian fans.
Many were stunned to see the midfielder make his AC Milan debut at Roma in a 2-2 draw this month – wasn’t he just there to train? He lasted almost the whole game, being replaced in the 89th minute. The reviews of his performance were mixed but the general consensus was positive, especially as Beckham was still feeling his way back to peak match fitness.
Though his inclusion in the team was in part a result of a worrying injury list at the club, he had emphatically answered the critics who believed his spell in Milan was an attention-seeking scheme. And Beckham had changed his tune by the time he spoke to the media at the Stadio Olimpico after the game.
Gone was the non-committal ‘keeping fit’ party line. As the Guardian reported, Beckham said: “My goal is to play as many games as possible and be part of the team."
He had made a favourable first impression and he was rewarded with another start – at home to Fiorentina –as he enjoyed a first win in Milan colours. The hosts won 1-0 at the San Siro to make it a special home debut for the midfielder. All eyes were on Kaka and the will he-won’t he transfer saga, but Beckham hit the headlines too with another confident display.
Then, this weekend in the game away to Bologna, the former England captain scored his first goal in Milan colours. Fed the ball just outside the penalty box, Beckham drifted right, cut into the box and drilled a powerful shot past the Bologna goalkeeper, beating him at the near post. The way team-mates like Kaka, Seedorf and Maldini flocked to congratulate him suggests Beckham is already respected and accepted in the Rossoneri dressing room.
The former England captain is clearly thoroughly enjoying being back in the big time. He told the press: “I love the history behind great teams, I’ve said it before. I loved playing for Manchester United. They will always be the team that gave me my start, gave me the chance to win so many trophies. I fell in love with Real Madrid too and now that I’ve seen AC Milan, I’m already falling in love. It’s going to be hard to leave but I’m going to have a great time here I hope.”
How Beckham’s arrangement with AC Milan pans out is anyone’s guess but the issue is bound to rumble on with plenty more frantic meetings and phone calls on the horizon. Would he be able to turn down the chance to stay until the end of the season if it was offered? How accommodating are LA Galaxy likely to be if a power struggle breaks out?
Sir Alex Ferguson spoke for a lot of people when he said that he was unsurprised by Beckham’s switch to Milan. The United boss suggested that the standard of the MLS was not what the midfielder was used to and that he needed this return to the highest level. Clearly Milan would like him to stay, Ancelotti remarking "Our wish is that he continues with us." What will Beckham do next?
A difficult decision will have to be made somewhere down the line. It is destined to leave at least one party unhappy. It is not every day that the chance to wear the shirt of AC Milan lands at a player’s feet but then again he has appeared comfortable with his life in LA.
Either way, Beckham has already made a big impression in a city where such a feat is no small success and for this he deserves great credit – regardless of how the story ends.
AC Milan 08/09 Home BECKHAM AC Milan 08/09 Away BECKHAM
