David Beckham to join AC Milan on loan in January, says Adriano Galliani

Article From: www.timesonline.com

Link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article4991300.ece

October 22, 2008

David Beckham will join AC Milan on loan in January, according to Adriano Galliani, the Italian club's vice-

president.

The LA Galaxy midfielder had been expected to train with Carlo Ancelotti's side during the Major League Soccer's (MLS) closed season, but Galliani says the England international will also be available to play in Serie A and the Uefa Cup.

It is thought Beckham, who has yet to officially agree to the deal, will only be available for two months as he must report back to Galaxy in time for the start of pre-season training, with the new MLS season due to begin at the end of March.

Beckham is reportedly considering the move on the advice of Fabio Capello, the England coach, who feels the player will benefit from a brief return to one of Europe's most competitive leagues and has stressed he would not consider the player for the friendly against Spain in February, if he remained inactive.

"Beckham wants to train and play with Milan," Galliani said. "We want him. He will arrive in January and we will sign him. It's not just a shop-window deal, it's a great deal. He will be available for Ancellotti for Serie A and the Uefa Cup."

Galliani admitted that Beckham's commercial value had persuaded Milan to pursue the deal. "Football today is not just about tactics and technical abilities. It's about full stadiums and sponsors. No-one can beat the 65,000 fans we had on Sunday.

"The stadiums will only fill up with superstars like Beckham, who has asked Milan for hospitality, not another club. With him, Kaka and Ronaldinho, it will be a dream team."

Beckham would remain under contract with the Galaxy, but is expected to begin training with the club after the MLS season finishes on Sunday with a view to playing for the club when the transfer window re-opens in January.

"We are speaking with his agent but we believe he will arrive for some months on a free loan," Galliani added. "Beckham has chosen Milan. Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way, but Beckham is something different and intriguing."

Despite reports suggesting Ancelotti is not in total agreement with the move, which is thought to have been instigated by the club's board, he says he is looking forward to working with the former Real Madrid midfielder.

"For me it will be a pleasure, Beckham is a serious athlete, a great professional," he said. "If he is available for us, we will be very happy."