QuoteThe Beckham has landed.
Beckham: My Milan dream
Sunday 21 December, 2008
David Beckham spoke of his “dream come true” at Milan in a long interview with Sky Italia presenter Ilaria D’Amico.
There were reports – denied by the Beckham camp – that Victoria had ordered the meeting cancelled because D’Amico is a sex symbol in the peninsula, but the talk was focused on football.
“Without a doubt this is a dream come true,” he said of the move to the Rossoneri from LA Galaxy on loan until March 9.
“[Adriano] Galliani gave me this chance and I could not let it slip. It really is a dream for me.”
Beckham passed a medical with flying colours on Saturday and will be presented to the fans ahead of tonight’s Serie A clash with Udinese, but he cannot play until the Italian transfer window opens in January.
Carlo Ancelotti noted he’d love to have Becks at his disposal for this weekend, as between injuries and bans he’ll be without Massimo Ambrosini, Gianluca Zambrotta, Emerson, Mathieu Flamini, Gennaro Gattuso, Alessandro Nesta, Marco Borriello and Philippe Senderos.
“I am aware it’s a difficult situation, as I have been following Milan’s recent games closely. I could’ve played right away, but it is only normal that in a squad there are injuries and I can be among the replacements.
“I would like to give a hand, help the team to win something and improve the level of performance, as does any player who joins a new side.
“I absolutely do not want to cause trouble or disturb the unity of the squad. I am just someone who wants to enjoy his football and certainly work hard.”
Many have suggested this three-month transfer is a media coup and could irritate some of the existing Rossoneri stars.
“There will obviously be pressure,” continued Beckham. “That comes when you are playing for important clubs, not just in Italy.
“I think this is an opportunity for me to play with Milan and share the success and history of this great side.
“It is also true that in a team like this you need to do your best and it’s only natural there would be pressure around me and the whole side, but people are different all over the world and in each country.
“I don’t know what the pressure will be like in Italy. I worked with Manchester United and all the pressure generated around that, the same happened in Madrid. I just want a good experience, to see what atmosphere there is in the stadium and that’ll give me real encouragement.”
Milan explained the contract lasts until June 30, but there is a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ to release Beckham by March 9 for the start of the MLS season.
“I’ll enjoy myself and all, but I will then return to Los Angeles,” said the midfielder when asked by D’Amico if he would stay for longer than three months.
“Victoria has always liked Milan as a city and comes here for the fashion week. We’re staying here for three months. That’s it.”
Ancelotti has won the Scudetto, Champions League, European Super Cup, Club World Cup, Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup with the Rossoneri, so Becks is looking forward to working with him.
“Every manager is a unique person and it’s impossible to compare them. I worked with exceptional managers like [Sven Goran] Eriksson, [Fabio] Capello and [Sir Alex] Ferguson.
“I have never played under Ancelotti, but he is certainly a great manager and if he wasn’t respected then he wouldn’t be in the position he is now. I hope to give my best under his watch.”
Sky Italia host D’Amico asked who had inspired Beckham in his career to date.
“Certainly Bryan Robson, who played for Manchester United years ago, and then Zinedine Zidane. He is the greatest of players, an idol, an icon and an exceptional person. This is why I always try to imitate him and work with other great players.
“Kaka is certainly another of the best players in the world. Then there’s Ronaldinho, [Andrea] Pirlo and Paolo Maldini. He really is an icon, as he spent his whole career at Milan and is still playing at 40. That is exceptional and he’s a great example for the team.”
Beckham surprised the media by speaking a few words of Italian at the start of his Press conference and confirmed he asked for some advice.
“I’ve spoken to [Fabio] Cannavaro and with Fabio Capello. I haven’t talked to [Antonio] Cassano yet, but he is great fun, makes me laugh, has a wonderful heart and is very generous.
“He did very well at Real Madrid, then took a step back to return to the country he loves and adores.”
Originally Posted by OwlsFan
Bookmarks