AC Milan v Chievo Verona Viewing
AC Milan v Chievo Verona
Stadium:  Giuseppe Meazza
Match Time:  March 14, 2010, 15:45 ET

• Links to options via Sopcast, TVU Networks, and more here. Software info here.
• A site to check for listings close to kickoff here.
• Justin.tv search for Chievo Verona – closer to kickoff you’ll find viewing options there.

Plus ESPN’s live text commentary and graphic Gamecast. Check ESPN360.com for live video if your provider carries it, they often have Serie A games.

Opinion: David Beckham already looks like a footballer from another time

By Tony Parsons 13/03/2010There was something strangely moving about David Beckham’s appearance for AC Milan at Old Trafford this week.

Beckham only played for 30 minutes and his elderly Italian team-mates were easily beaten by a far superior Manchester United side.

But David gave everything – and what an old-fashioned hero he seemed compared to the pampered, overpaid Premier League trash who appear in the headlines on a daily basis.

With his decency, his pride and his heart, David Beckham, 35 in May, already looks like a footballer from another time. Source

Manchester United 4 – 0 AC Milan

There was no fairytale Old Trafford return for David Beckham as Wayne Rooney led a Manchester United cruise into the Champions League quarter-finals after a 4-0 win over AC Milan. [...]

Always one to embrace a sense of occasion, Beckham was among the last Milan players to leave the dressing room, making his entrance to a standing ovation from supporters who never fell out of love with him the way Ferguson did.

Predictably, though, Beckham had been left on the bench – just as he was on his last European appearance for United, against Real Madrid seven years ago, when he eventually scored twice to prove a point without being able to save the Red Devils from elimination. [...]

As there was little else to do, Leonardo introduced Beckham.

His arrival for Ignazio Abate triggered a standing ovation. Had the midfielder’s volley flashed past Edwin van der Sar instead of being beaten away by the veteran Dutchman, it would probably have brought the biggest cheer of the night.

For all the adulation, though, Beckham represents Manchester United’s past.

Rooney is the future, which on the pitch – where Fletcher nodded home a fourth near the end – looks rosy, despite the continued vocal and visual protests against the Glazer family, whose willingness to plunge United into such massive debt has vexed so many.

In the stands, the members of the Glazer family who had made the trip from Tampa would need pretty thick skins to remain unaffected by all the vicious taunts.

With Beckham opting to put a green-and-gold scarf round his neck as he made his way down the tunnel, the abuse is not going to be silenced any time soon. Full report

Beckham will snub Red Knights offer

ESPNsoccernet understands David Beckham will politely decline any invitation from fans’ groups and the Red Knights to put his name to the campaign attempting to oust the Glazer family from their position as owners of Manchester United.

Sources close to Beckham have revealed that while the former England captain is sympathetic to the fans’ cause, which he demonstrated when picking up a green and gold scarf after the Champions League tie at Old Trafford , he will not become a figurehead for the Red Knights crusade to usurp the Glazers.

The message is very clear from the Beckham camp – he is concentrating on his playing career with AC Milan, LA Galaxy, and indeed England where he remains focused on the World Cup campaign in South Africa. Keep reading

Wayne Rooney Wants To Emulate David Beckham’s Success At Manchester United

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is keen to hit the same Old Trafford heights as Reds legend David Beckham did during his time at the club.Rooney was in great form for United against Beckham’s current side AC Milan at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, scoring twice as the Red Devils recorded a comprehensive 7-2 aggregate victory over the Italian side.

Beckham received a warm reception from the United supporters and Rooney hopes that one day he will be held in similarly high regard.

“David Beckham was a great servant for this club and we were all delighted with the reception,” said the striker, according to Sky Sports.

“I have plenty of years ahead of me but if I can get half the plaudits he has I will be very happy.” Keep reading

Reminder: tomorrow (Wednesday) AC Milan will face United at Old Trafford, David’s big return! Kick-off is 2.45 pm.

You can watch the game online, and you can find the details you’ll need for viewing it at this site.

Enjoy the game!

David Beckham covers up nude Renaissance tattoo

David Beckham’s latest tattoo is inspired by a Renaissance painting of Cupid carrying his wife Psyche to Heaven.

It seems the footballer may have been a little too shy to display all of the original picture when he had it etched onto his arm recently, though.

The father-of-three has seemingly modified the painting to show a piece of fabric delicately covering an intimate part of Psyche’s body.

David’s full collection of tattoos was available for all to see as he revealed his toned torso after a match with AC Milan at the weekend.

The body art is thought to be the sportsman’s 18th tattoo and comes just two months after he had a Jesus Christ design inked in memory of his late grandfather, Joe West, who died in December. Source

Beckham not nervous over Man United return

David Beckham insists he will have no nerves when his AC Milan side take on Manchester United at Old Trafford for a place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

It will be the first time Beckham has returned to United after leaving the club seven years ago, but though he insists he is looking forward to his emotional reunion, he is not daunted by the task.

“I’m not nervous,” he said. ”Coming back to Manchester as a Milan player is exciting. It will be a tough game for us but nothing is impossible.

Beckham was mobbed as he arrived at Manchester airport with his team-mates on Tuesday and is expected to be given a warm reception by United’s fans. However, he says he’ll be focused on helping the Rossoneri overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg.

“I will always be a Manchester fan and this is perhaps the first time in my life that I want them to lose,” he told the AC Milan website. “I’ll meet up with many friends and all the people who supported me for many years on the night. Keep reading & video is here

NEW Galleries

AC Milan vs. AS Roma

England Training Session

Thank you everyone for your patience as we moved the blog to a new platform. You may notice a few changes for the greater good! But for the most part you’ll find a lot of things the same. We apologize for the interruption and that I couldn’t bring you the viewing links for yesterday’s match, but we’re back on track and I’ll have the links for the upcoming match on Wednesday for you today!

AS Roma 0 – 0 AC Milan

AC Milan dominated but had to settle for a point at the Stadio Olimpico.In a battle of two teams who still have scudetto aspirations, the Rossoneri had numerous opportunities to break the deadlock but failed to take any of them.The result left Milan in second place – three points behind Serie A leaders and city rivals Inter, who will take on Genoa with a chance to extend their gap at the summit to six points.

Roma remained third, two points behind Milan. Read more (David was substituted in during the 72nd minute)

Becks relishing OT return

AC Milan star David Beckham is relishing his first return to Old Trafford as a player in the UEFA Champions league clash on Wednesday. [...]

He told the Sunday Mirror: “It was a very emotional night for me playing against United in Milan, but going back to Old Trafford is going to be even more so.

“The United fans were unbelievable in the first leg and I thank them for that. It was amazing to hear their chants.

“Without a doubt it will be emotional to hear that from a crowd of more than 70,000 at Old Trafford.

“I had family with me in Milan and they’ll be going to Old Trafford. My dad’s a big United fan and this is probably the only time he won’t want them to win!” Read more

David’s Latest Blog

Hi everyone

It was a good victory at Wembley on Wednesday, and despite an early scare we ran out 3-1 winners. Egypt are a very good side, the current African Champions having recently won the 2010 African Cup of Nations. So it was another good win, that keeps the confidence up ahead of the World Cup.

I’m back in Italy now preparing for another big game for Milan this weekend, we’re away to Roma, who are 3 points behind us in the league in third. A win would put some distance between us and keep the pressure on Inter.

Next Wednesday will be another massive game, we travel to Manchester for the second leg of our Champions League tie – I’m looking forward to going back and seeing old friends, although the most important thing is that we win and go through to the next round.

This week also sees the launch of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, of which I’m a patron. The primary aim of the Academy is to recognise and support new British sporting talent, something I feel passionately about and I’m happy to be involved.

Take care

David

Manchester United vs. AC Milan Viewing Links

I know it’s early, but I wanted to be sure that you got some viewing links for watching Wednesday’s match as soon as possible. I’ll remind you before the game, but if you want to start making your plans early, you can find all the links here at Glorious Football.

England 3 – 1 Egypt
The team, composed mostly of England’s usual substitutes, performed well to beat Egypt 3-1 yesterday. You can read a full report of the match from ESPN here.

Becks will return to the States, says MLS chief

AC Milan’s on-loan midfielder David Beckham will return to Los Angeles Galaxy after the World Cup, the head of Major League Soccer (MLS) said on Tuesday.

Don Garber, addressing delegates at the Soccerex business convention, said Beckham’s move to the US had been a success and dismissed media speculation the England player would decide against returning when the Finals in South Africa were over.

Garber said: “David will be back after the World Cup, no doubt about that. He has been a success. There are always going to be people, particularly in England, that look at everything and don’t see the positives.

“Our league is on the map globally, he’s one of the most popular people on the planet and he plays in Major League Soccer for Los Angeles Galaxy.

“That in itself has shown the world we are serious in that we have one of the great international players in our league,“ added Garber.

“Have there been challenges with him going back and forth? Absolutely but sometimes that kind of buzz is good. Football is a phenomenon in the United States now.” Keep reading

Rumor: Beckhams bid for Clooney Villa

Victoria Beckham and footballer husband, David Beckham, look set to buy George Clooney’s Villa for a whooping £26million.

David and Victoria Beckham reportedly have entered into a business agreement with actor George Clooney. The couple has reportedly agreed to buy Clooney’s Italian villa.

Victoria Beckham and family spent several days at the actor’s villa in Laglio, last year while David was playing for soccer team AC Milan and are now hoping to purchase the lavish 30-room property now that Clooney has decided to sell up.

David told pals: “I have fallen in love with the beautiful countryside. It’s peaceful, quiet and near Milan. It would be great for the family.” Keep reading

REMINDER: England vs. Egypt
Today England and Egypt face off in a friendly, kick-off is 20:00 BST – you can convert to your local time here.

I posted a link to the options for viewing online the other day but here it is again. There are options on this page.

Special Offer from Sportsdirect.com
Thanks to reader Simon for passing along an interesting deal from Sportsdirect.com. If you purchase an England shirt and England win the World Cup, Sportsdirect.com will give you a refund! Find out the terms here and the shirt in question is here. What a great way to show support for England (and Becks!) with the opportunity to do it for free!

AC Milan 3 – 1 Atalanta
You can read a full match report here. As expected, David started.

England vs Egypt Online LIVE STREAM
We’re 2 days away from England vs. Egypt. David made the squad! So to give you advanced notice about finding out how to watch it online, check out this post.

NEW Galleries
Becks Trains 12th Feb.
AC Milan vs. Fiorentina
AC Milan vs. Manchester United

Site Announcement
Hello DBFO readers!

We just wanted to give you a little head’s up that there may be some slight changes coming to the site soon, since we’re switching the system that runs it. We’re doing our best to keep everything as similar as possible to not disrupt your DBFO experience, but please bear with us during this time.

Thanks for your patience & thanks for being here!!!

NEW Galleries
David & the Boys in Milan Feb. 9
David & the Boys in Milan Feb. 10
David & the Boys Leaving the Hotel
David & the Boys Shopping

AC Milan v Atalanta Viewing
AC Milan v Atalanta
Stadium: Giuseppe Meazza
Match Time: February 28, 2010, 09:00 ET

• Links to options via Sopcast, TVU Networks, and more here. Software info here.
• A site to check for listings close to kickoff here.
• Justin.tv search for Atalanta – closer to kickoff you’ll find viewing options there.

Plus ESPN’s live text commentary and graphic Gamecast. Check ESPN360.com for live video if your provider carries it, they often have Serie A games.

Beckham hopes to secure Old Trafford start

David Beckham will have the chance to play his way into Milan coach Leonardo’s team to face Manchester United in two weeks’ time when he starts tomorrow’s home Serie A game with second from bottom Atlanta.

Beckham’s disappointing display in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against United earlier this month has meant he has been overlooked in Milan’s last two games but with captain Massimo Ambrosini out injured and Mathieu Flamini suspended, he should return.

The former England captain has struggled to find his early Milan form when he was used in a front three with Ronaldinho and Marco Borriello. The return of Alexandre Pato has seen him pushed back into midfield and it has been Pato’s goals – one in each of Milan’s last three matches – that have enabled them pick up nine from nine to stay within four points of leaders Internazionale

Beckham’s return to the starting line-up gives him the opportunity to force his way back into favour ahead of Milan’s date at Old Trafford on 10 March. A win tomorrow could see Milan reduce Jose Mourinho’s side’s lead at the top to just one point. The suspended Inter coach will watch from the stands as his weakened side go to Udinese. Source

Sven-Goran Eriksson hatched plan to lure David Beckham to Notts County

Sven-Goran Eriksson drew up a plan to sign former England captain David Beckham as part of Notts County’s ill-fated dream of steering the oldest football club in the country into the Premier League.

The full extent of the fantasy in which the club’s hierarchy was living, however, is illustrated by their attempts to sign Beckham.

Research by The Daily Telegraph has revealed that Eriksson conducted talks with the LA Galaxy midfielder’s agent, who confirmed that he would be available in October this year. “Sven spoke to David’s agent and asked him what his plans were for the long term,” Trembling confirmed. “We said ‘wouldn’t it be great if he could finish his career at Notts County’.” Read more

Bari 0 – 2 AC Milan
You can read a full match report here. David subbed in for Gattuso in the 81st minute.

Fiorentina v AC Milan Viewing
Fiorentina v AC Milan
Stadium: Artemio Franchi, Italy
Match Time: February 24, 2010, 12:30 ET

• Links to options via Sopcast, TVU Networks, and more here. Software info here.
• A site to check for listings close to kickoff here.
• Justin.tv search for Fiorentina – closer to kickoff you’ll find viewing options there.

Plus ESPN’s live text commentary and graphic Gamecast. Check ESPN360.com for live video if your provider carries it, they often have Serie A games.

NEW Galleries!
AC Milan vs. Udinese
David at Cavalli Cafe

David Beckham: Milan Must Keep The Pressure On Inter

David Beckham said Milan must “keep the pressure on Inter” as he eyes a win against Fiorentina on Wednesday night.

Milan closed the gap on Inter to seven points following their weekend win against Bari. And, while the Nerazzurri play Chelsea in the Champions League tomorrow, this is the perfect chance to take advantage.

“It was good to get back to winning ways [against Bari] and the three points were vital,” Beckham told his official website.

“We played well and deserved it, and if we win our game in hand against Fiorentina on Wednesday night, we’ll keep the pressure on Inter.”

Despite a heavy schedule of games, Beckham is enjoying his time in Milan off the pitch as well as on it.

“Although games are coming thick and fast, I’m trying to experience the city, and I’ve managed to squeeze in some cookery lessons where I can,” he added.

“I love Italian food and I have not had a bad meal since I have been here.

“I’ve decided to learn how to make fresh pasta, risotto and other dishes and I’ll be trying them out on family and friends soon.” Source

Becks tips Rooney for World Player of Year award

David Beckham is tipping Wayne Rooney to capture the greatest honours in the game later this year.

Beckham hopes to be sharing a dressing room with the 24-year-old in South Africa later this summer, and also wants to watch him be crowned the number one player on the planet.

“I hope he is a contender for the World Player of the Year and the Ballon D’Or,” Beckham said. “I would love to see him win every title possible. I have seen Wayne from being a young lad. I played in his debut for England and I have watched him score goals week in and week out ever since. It is amazing to see.”

Beckham’s view of Rooney’s exploits was rather too close for his liking last night as United won 3-2 in the San Siro. Rooney’s second-half brace took his tally for the season to 25 and left the Red Devils needing only to avoid a heavy defeat in the second leg in a fortnight’s time to advance to the last eight.

“I wouldn’t want to see him do it again against us in a few weeks but of course I’d like it in the World Cup,” Beckham added. Keep reading

David’s Latest Blog

Hi all,

It was good to get back to winning ways yesterday and the three points were vital. We played well and deserved it, and if we can win our game in hand against Fiorentina on Wednesday night, we’ll keep the pressure on Inter.

Although games are coming thick and fast, I’m trying to experience the city and I’ve managed to squeeze in some cookery lessons where I can.

I love Italian food and haven’t had a bad meal since I’ve been here so I’ve decided to learn how to make fresh pasta, risotto and other dishes, and I’ll be trying them out on family and friends soon!

Take care

David