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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 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

Labels: ac milan, david beckham, david beckham football video, david beckham images, david beckham photos, football video, serie a

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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

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

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

Labels: ac milan, david beckham, david beckham blogs, david beckham football photos, david beckham football video, david beckham images, david beckham photos, england, serie a, world cup

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David Beckham feels that Rio Ferdinand has all the qualities required to be a top England captain. Ferdinand led Manchester United to victory over Milan at San Siro last night, his first appearance since replacing John Terry in the job.

"Rio is a great captain," said Beckham, who himself led England for five years. "He has proved he has been a great captain when he has captained Manchester United in the past. He is a leader."

Beckham, meanwhile, was left to rue a catalogue of missed chances after Milan lost 3-2 to United in the first-leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, but still believes the Italians can prevail.

"If, in the first half, we had scored the goals when we had the chances, then it would have been a different game," said Beckham. "But we didn't and Manchester United are a very good team and Wayne Rooney is a very good player.

"Clarence Seedorf's second goal has made it possible [for Milan to still qualify]. It's not easy to go to Old Trafford but we have made it a bit better for ourselves. If we had come off the field having lost 3-1, then we would have been more disappointed." Keep reading

David Beckham believes Wayne Rooney is capable of carrying his coruscating form all the way from the San Siro to Soccer City after dismissing fears that the Manchester United forward's star will burn out before the World Cup.

[...] The former England captain experienced Rooney's rising confidence at first hand in the San Siro and he fully expects him to prove as destructive for England as he currently is for United.

Beckham said: "Burn out won't be a problem because Wayne is ready for any game.

"It doesn't matter how many games he has played or how many he will be involved in to the end of the season, he will be ready for anything. He can sustain that level until the middle of July, of course he can. He is only 24, so he should be able to!

"He looks after himself and he works hard. The way he plays on the field is the way he plays in training and that is why he is so good.

"Without a doubt, he is one of the best goalscorers in the world and I have always said that about him. If he continues to do that, United will be even more successful than they already are." Keep reading

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Milan made a tactical mistake by playing David Beckham in the centre of midfield in Manchester United's Champions League tie at San Siro earlier this week. Ferguson was "surprised" by Leonardo's selection and, though careful with his words, made it clear he did not believe his former player could be effective in a central position. [...]

Beckham played only a peripheral role in Tuesday's game after being selected ahead of Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso, and Ferguson, speaking on the American radio station Sirius, agreed when the co-presenter, Giorgio Chinaglia, said the former United player "cannot play in central midfield, he can only play on the wing".

"That's true," Ferguson replied. "I was surprised that they played David in central midfield; I thought that they'd have played him wide right."

The second presenter, Charlie Stillitano, remarked that playing Beckham in the centre meant "you lose what he does best more than anything". Ferguson agreed again: "Yeah, his crossing." Keep reading

Labels: ac milan, alex ferguson, david beckham, england, manchester united, rio ferdinand, wayne rooney

Two second-half goals from in-form Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney installed last season's beaten finalists as favourites to book a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Not even the concession of a third-minute opener for AC Milan, created by David Beckham for Ronaldinho, could derail Sir Alex Ferguson's troops, although they were forced to endure some nervy moments at the end after Clarence Seedorf hauled Milan back into the tie five minutes from time with an audacious flicked finish.

It took a fortunate Paul Scholes effort to bring United level before the break. But after surviving another spell of Milan pressure after half-time, Rooney stamped his class on the contest, scoring his first two European goals of the season to take his overall tally to 25. Keep reading

Beckham lasted 71 minutes before being replaced by Clarence Seedorf, but even though his Milan team were finally well beaten, Beckham can be reasonably satisfied with his personal performance. He wasn't taken off because he was poor, more due to the fact that he was tiring - that was certainly to be expected playing in a testing midfield three.

But come the big occasion, Beckham rises to it. Beckham deserves his place in Fabio Capello's England squad for South Africa, and I don't subscribe to the generally held view he has picked up too many caps as a substitute.

Beckham epitomises the kind of attitude I like to see from England players, willing to turn up anywhere any time, to travel any distance to represent his country for no matter how few minutes.

In that sense he is England's non-playing-from-the-start captain, a real leader, someone who grew into that role with his country from such a temperamentally wayward character in his early days. Read more

Labels: ac milan, david beckham, manchester united, uefa champions league

Labels: ac milan, manchester united, uefa champions league

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham has been warned by former Manchester United team-mate Teddy Sheringham that his dream clash at the Old Trafford will be a rough ride.

Sheringham reckons that United will unveil anti-Beckham tactics against their former hero in Tuesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first-leg tie with Milan.

“Alex Ferguson knows everything about him. I'm sure he will make sure Patrice Evra plays right against him,” The Sun quoted Sheringham, as saying.

“Beckham is still a fantastic crosser of a ball and United will be out to deal with him,” he added.

Sheringham also believes that Beckham will go to this summer's World Cup finals, even if he fails to regain his regular starting role with the Italian giants.

“I don't think Fabio Capello will think of starting Beckham in the finals, so as long as he plays some games for AC I think he'll be OK,” he said. Read more

It would undoubtedly be a moment with a resonance to match the time he ran almost the entire perimeter of the Old Trafford pitch, having buried the free-kick that took England to the 2002 World Cup.

Beckham, who is naturally averse to antagonism, is indicating that he will be more circumspect this time; after all, he does not want Sir Alex Ferguson to hurl another boot in his direction. Ferguson was at the San Siro last night to watch Milan’s 3-2 win over Udinese.

Beckham’s fellow Milan veteran, Clarence Seedorf, who has faced similar dilemmas when he has encountered former club Madrid in the Champions League, is Real advising his team-mate to revel in the pleasure of scoring.

“If he scores a goal, he should celebrate, and people should know that it’s not out of disrespect to a club where he was loved, and where he won important trophies,” the Dutchman said.

“It is a moment of emotion that you just express. He has coped with pressure his whole career, even if this is a very different situation. I hope people will applaud him.” Keep reading

Contrary to last year, when he joined Bayern Munich for a short spell, Landon Donovan hooked up with Everton in the English Premier League. There, the American international is in scintillating form, scoring one goal and notching two assists in six matches.

More impressive is Everton's up-shoot in form since the 27-year-old arrived. In the 19 games the Toffees played before Donovan joined, the club earned 22 points, good for an average of 1.15 points per game. Since then, Everton has 13 points in six games, roughly 2.16 points per game.

The run has included wins over Chelsea and Manchester City and a respectable draw with Arsenal. His teammate's good form hasn't escaped the notice of Beckham.

“It's great to see that Landon's doing well,” Beckham said in a mixed zone following the Udinese win on Friday, as reported by Goal.com Italia. “I always said that given the chance, he's a very good footballer.” Source

"I always said when I came to the club that I never expected to start any games here," he explains. "I'm not frustrated. My form and fitness, being back in Milan and working hard with the regime they have here, have been really good. I said that, to be part of an England squad, you have to be playing at the top level and at the top of your fitness. With Pato coming back in, it's important, because we have some big games coming up. United is one of the biggest for me personally."

Beckham is pragmatic, too, about separating his feelings from his responsibilities. "I've never had to do it before like this but I don't think it will be a problem. I've played in many games. This tie's not just about me playing against United – it's about Milan qualifying for the next round of the Champions League and that's the most important thing." Keep reading

Labels: ac milan, landon donovan, manchester united, serie a

Hi everyone,

The last few weeks have seen us play a quite a few games, and while we’ve played pretty well, it’s fair to say the results haven’t gone our way.

Inter are now 10 points ahead of us at the top of the league, so we’re going to need to go on a long unbeaten run and hope for a bit of luck along the way. But we’re all remaining positive, there are still 15 league matches to go and 45 points to play for.

Next Tuesday sees the first leg of the Champions League and we’ll welcome my old club, Manchester United to the San Siro. It will be a special occasion and I still love the club. Even though I’m not there anymore, I’m still a huge fan and it will be amazing to be involved in such a huge occasion.

Victoria and the kids are in Milan this week. It’s great to see and spend time with them and even though I love playing for Milan, I miss being with my family.

Our next game is on Friday night, at home to Udinese, nothing but a win will do!

Take care
David

Labels: david beckham, david beckham blogs

AC Milan star David Beckham has pledged not to celebrate if he scores against former club Manchester United.

Beckham, on loan at the Italian giants from LA Galaxy, will return to Old Trafford for the first-time since leaving United for Real Madrid in the second-leg of Champions League play.

First the clubs meet in Milan on February 16, and Beckham has promised not to celebrate in front of the fans he credits with helping him through the most difficult phase of his career.

Beckham was sent-off playing in a World Cup quarterfinal for England against Argentina for a petulant kick out at Diego Simone.

England went on to lose the game and the backlash against Beckham was fierce.

"I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me. I would not have got through everything without them" he told Inside United magazine.

"I do not think I would celebrate. I respect the supporters and the club. To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that," Beckham added. Source

Celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham have raised almost £1 million for vulnerable young people in five years, it has emerged.

According to the Mirror, the couple's charity, run by Victoria's mother Jackie, has brought in £913,269 since 2005.

The Victoria and David Beckham Children's Charity gave money to 12 causes in 2009, including £2,487 to the Aids Mobility Centre, which provides young people with wheelchairs and other specialist equipment. Keep reading

Labels: ac milan, charity, manchester united, serie a, uefa champions league

Report: AC Milan fell 10 points behind city rivals Inter this afternoon after another uninspiring display at Bologna. Full match report here

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he could not imagine England leaving for the World Cup in South Africa without midfielder David Beckham in the squad. [...]

The 34-year-old hopes playing regularly in Serie A will book him a place in the 23-man party for the finals in June, and his former boss said Beckham should figure in Fabio Capello's plans because of his experience. [...]

Ferguson, who sold Beckham to Real Madrid for £25million in 2003, watched the midfielder in his side's 2-0 defeat to Milan rivals Inter last month.

And despite a quiet performance from the former United man, Ferguson said Beckham's unprecedented set-piece abilities also made him indispensible to the England cause.

He told The People: "'No-one has a better delivery of the ball, and at set pieces in particular, than David Beckham and I would imagine he'll be there at the World Cup with England.

"I can't see Capello not taking him because David has so much experience. He has shown his desire to play at the top, he's shown that by going back to Milan and that's the key to it. Keep reading

Anschutz Entertainment Group - owner of the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Major League Soccer club Beckham plays for - announced the closure in a terse, undated and unsigned memo from AEG spokesman Michael Roth that was distributed to some company employees in December.

"The David Beckham Academy will no longer operate its Los Angeles location," the memo said. "Planning is currently under way with David and senior coaches to develop a program and coaching model that will move beyond the limits of one location and ultimately impact more children in more cities across the United States and worldwide."

The academy was a victim of the worsening economy, sources said, although those involved denied the venture suffered significant financial losses.

"As a private company we don't discuss finances in this way," Roth said Friday. "However, it was not in the millions of dollars." Full article

Labels: ac milan, academy, alex ferguson, david beckham, serie a

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Labels: ac milan, david beckham, serie a

Having a sore back is no laughing matter - unless, like Becks, you've got a top funnyman to rub it better...

The England star, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, stripped off his shirt to get his aching muscles eased with a back massage from comic actor James Corden.

In character as his Gavin & Stacey alter ego Smithy, James stroked David Beckham's weary joints as the footballing hero sighed in contentment. [...]

The Becks back-rub was all part of a fundraising sketch for Sport Relief, to be shown on BBC1 next month. The hilarious skit, masterminded by Bafta-winner James, 31, also stars some of the other biggest names in sport. [...]

After filming their part of the sketch on Monday, David and James - who are new BFFs - celebrated with a slap-up meal in Milan.

Our insider reveals: "The sketch is the biggest and most ambitious in Sport Relief's history. The names involved read like a Who's Who of sporting icons, so pinning them all down to a date and time is a result in itself.

"James and David had a real laugh filming and got on fantastically.

They worked very well as a double act - with James playing the funnyman and David the straight-guy. The pair of them were bouncing off each other brilliantly.

"David took James to his favourite restaurant in the evening and they celebrated their hard work over a glass of red wine and some pasta.

"David thinks James is a comic genius and has invited him to see the AC Milan vs Manchester United European fixture."

After dinner, Becks drove James back to his hotel where they shared a nightcap - a nice cup of tea. Source

DAVID Beckham will leave a lasting legacy with the MLS, claims new Wanderers recruit Stuart Holden.

The midfield ace has forecast a bright future for the game in the States, based largely on the massive interest sparked by the former Manchester United man’s arrival at LA Galaxy in 2008. [...]

And the Whites playmaker — who is due to be in the squad for Saturday’s game against Fulham after recovering from a thigh injury — believes the former England skipper’s influence will ensure “soccer” stays in the nation’s consciousness long after he leaves.

“He brought a buzz to the game,” he said. “When you think of the world’s most famous players, he’s probably right at the top of that list.

“His influence at the Galaxy was immense. He sold season tickets, merchandise and shirts when he first arrived, but didn’t really inspire many results on the field. But this last season, they saw success and made it to the cup final. Keep reading

Labels: david beckham, david beckham football photos, david beckham photos, david beckham pictures, sport relief

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists he has no regrets about selling David Beckham as he prepares to face his former player in the Champions League knock-out stage.

Beckham will line-up for AC Milan when United travel to the San Siro for the first-leg of their round of sixteen clash and it will be the first time the midfielder has faced his former club since leaving Old Trafford seven years ago.

Beckham was near the height of his powers when he was sold by United to Real Madrid in 2003 but Ferguson feels the matter has long since been consigned to history. The United boss is more concerned about how his players will handle the inevitable attention that will accompany Beckham.

When asked about the player's £25 million move from Old Trafford, Ferguson told Inside United: "No regrets. We move on." Keep reading for his opinions about the split & David's World Cup future

The Gavin & Stacey star was spotted dining with Becks in Milan yesterday where the pair talked about doing another charity sketch together, this time for Sport Relief.

It could see the rotund comic's character Smithy giving the sportsman a massage.

The 31-year-old star has revealed he is working hard to get Beckham on board, following their Comic Relief effort last year.

It saw Smithy give members of the England football team, including Beckham, a pep talk.

Becks, 34, is keen to get involved this time round, but is only free on the day Corden is filming his new quiz show.

Corden said: 'I hope he's going to be involved in the sketch.

'Amazingly the one date he could do, I can't do. So we're trying to rearrange it.'

The scene, due to be aired on 19 March, will also feature F1 champion Andy Murray, Ashes hero Andrew Flintoff and 15-year-old diver Tom Daley. Keep reading

Labels: ac milan, alex ferguson, david beckham, manchester united, sport relief