[lang_en]David Beckham insists this has everything to do with soccer and nothing to do with fashion and celebrity.

The 33-year-old midfielder also acknowledged on Saturday that playing for AC Milan on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy is a gamble.

Beckham, a former star for Manchester United and Real Madrid, said the move fulfills his dream of playing with a top Italian team and his goal of staying in shape during the MLS offseason in an attempt to keep a spot on England’s team.

“I wouldn’t take this opportunity if I didn’t think that I could help the team and help the club,” Beckham said during his introductory news conference at San Siro Stadium. “There are some great players out there. I don’t expect to be starting on the first day because it doesn’t happen that way.”

England coach Fabio Capello has said it is not enough for Beckham to train with AC Milan — he must also play to be considered for the national team.

“That is exactly the right thing a manager should do,” Beckham said. “If any player is not playing in a team or playing at a top level, then playing at an international level is virtually impossible.”

Beckham is bringing plenty of celebrity buzz with him to Italy. He is married to fashion icon Victoria Beckham and the player himself has done underwear ads for the Milanese designer Armani. Beckham said Milan’s status as a fashion capital did not enter into his decision.[/lang_en] (more…)

[lang_es]El entrenador del AC Milan, Carlos Ancelotti, afirmó que la llegada de David Beckham es muy importante, luego que el equipo sufriera una derrota contra el Juventus (4-2) en el Estadio Olimpico de Turin.

Con el mediocampista Rino Gattuso fuera de juego hasta el próximo abril debido a su problema en sus ligamentos, Beckham no podría ser más requerido para rescatar al equipo. El ex capitan inglés, 33, será presentado oficialmente en el estadio San Siro la próxima semana al comienzo de su préstamos del LA Galaxy.

La prensa italiana comenta que David y su esposa Victoria se hospedarán en una costosa suite penthouse del lujoso hotel Chedi, cerca del estadio. El precio de la suite es de 1000 Libras esterlinas la noche.

Beckham podría unirse al equipo del brasileño Thiago Silva, quien voló hacia Milan ayer para arreglar una transferencia.[/lang_es][lang_en]By Nick Pisa

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said David Beckham’s imminent arrival ‘was even more important’ after a rampant Juventus beat them 4-2 in Turin’s rain-lashed Olympic Stadium.

With midfield dynamo Rino Gattuso out injured until April, Beckham cannot ride to the rescue soon enough. The 33-year-old former England captain is due to be officially unveiled at the San Siro stadium next week at the start of his loan from LA Galaxy.

The Italian media say he and wife Victoria will stay in a £1,000-a-night penthouse suite at the luxury Chedi Hotel, close to the stadium.

Beckham could find himself joined on the newboys’ roster by Brazilian Thiago Silva, who flew to Milan yesterday to discuss a move.

The 24-year-old Fluminense centre back had been linked with Chelsea, but yesterday’s development suggests his next port of call is Italy.

The imminent arrivals will brighten the picture for Milan, who saw Kaka and Arsenal old boy Mathieu Flamini injured yesterday as Clarence Seedorf made his 300th Serie A appearance.

Juventus, with Manchester City target Gianluigi Buffon again an injury absentee, were 3-1 up by half-time through Alessandro del Piero, Giorgio Chiellini and Amauri, with Alexandre Pato replying for Milan.

A second Amauri goal settled the issue after Massimo Ambrosini had briefly given the visitors hope.[/lang_en]

[lang_en]Dolled-up Posh joins David on the sideline

By Douglas Wight

IT WAS a breathtaking match of style, flair and nimble footwork.

And Brooklyn Beckham did well too — even though mum Victoria’s striking designer outfit left her lad sidelined.

Posh played the ultimate soccer mum when she watched Brooklyn, nine, and Romeo, six, practise in an LA park.

She put other parents in the shade when she turned out in £300 Aviator sunglasses, chic black top and £175 jeans from her own dVb label. And balancing on her £500 Christian Louboutin heels demanded pin-point accuracy as they kept sinking into the soft turf … and you can see here on video.

An onlooker said: “It was hilarious watching her. Her choice of footwear was astonishing. Her high heels kept getting stuck in the mud.

“But she still looked fab and got a lot of admiring glances from the other parents, especially the dads.”

David, 33—dressed down in a plain white T-shirt, grey tracksuit bottoms and shades— watched impassively while Victoria, 34, barked orders at the boys. The onlooker added: “It was great to see Posh so animated. Sarah Palin claimed hockey moms were pitbulls with lipgloss, but she’s got nothing on Posh’s brand of soccer mom.

“She was shouting from the sidelines as if it were a cup final rather than a practice kickabout in the local park.”

Victoria’s appearance for the beautiful game was capped off with her trademark ‘Robocop’ black hat, an expensive gold bracelet and watch and a £1,000 Chanel designer quilted bag.

Victoria and David shared a tender moment as they embraced on the touchline.

The onlooker said: “They were very touchy-feely.”

And if that was Posh’s goal, she pitched the look just right.[/lang_en]