Browsing:

AC Milan

Beckham’s AC future still in doubt after debut

Published on Jan 12th, 2009, 5 Comments

david_beckham_.jpgDavid Beckham is still not sure about his long-term future after he made his debut on Sunday when AC milan drew 2 – 2 against Roma.

The 33-year-old, who is on-loan at Milan for two months from the Los Angeles Galaxy, is due to return to the United States in March when the new Major League Soccer season kicks off.

However, when asked about his commitments Beckham’s response appeared to leave room for interpretation: ”The contract and the agreement is that I go back to LA on March 8th or 9th so I’m going to enjoy it up to then and we’ll see,” said Beckham.

There has been suggestion that if Beckham’s loan is deemed a success he could return to the San Siro next January as he tries to keep match-fit and part of England manager Fabio Capello’s plans ahead of the 2012 World Cup.

However, other observers, notably former Galaxy general manager Alxei Lalas who signed Beckham on a five-year contract in 2007, believe that if Beckham settles at Milan he could cut short his time in LA in favour of a permanent move to Italy .

After the game against Roma Beckham admitted to being was pleasantly ”surprised” that Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti had given him a start.

”I feel very good, very strong, a lot stronger than I thought I was going to feel,” Beckham said. ”I had fun out there. I was surprised to have started the game but I am happy. Playing out there is what I love doing and I enjoyed it.

(more…)

David Beckham to debut for AC Milan in friendly

Published on Jan 6th, 2009, 9 Comments

david_beckham.jpg

The football legend David Beckham is set to make his debut for AC Milan on Tuesday against German side Hamburg.

Speaking on Monday from Dubai, where the squad is at a training camp, Ancelotti said: “there has been a lot of curiosity surrounding David Beckham.

“And I can calmly say that he is available and that he can therefore play.”

Ancelotti added: “The past few days he (Beckham) has been working hard and I’ve noticed his commitment to showing that he wants to play for the team.”

Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Beckham plays for Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States but has joined AC Milan on a short-term loan as he bids to extend his England career.

LA Galaxy resume competition in March.

AC Milan’s first official match of 2009 is Sunday’s Serie A league encounter against AS Roma.

However Ancelotti has indicated that Beckham, who plays as a creative midfielder, faces stiff competition from the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Ronaldinho and Kaka.

Beckham admitted he is thrilled to be playing with Milan and added, in an interview with Sky Sports, he is waiting patiently for the nod from Ancelotti.

“When I will play? I am always ready but it’s up to the coach to decide. Physically I know I have to work hard to reach 100 percent, I want to play well instead of just play,” he said.

(more…)

Milan through to next round thanks to Inzaghi magic

Published on Dec 7th, 2007, No Comments

soccer.jpg

“Pipo” Inzaghi sent AC Milan through to the next round of the champion’s league after beating Celtic on Wednesday night. Celtic rode their luck to qualify in second spot thanks to an unfancied away win for Benfica at Shakhtar Donetsk.

In a match that might not be remembered for its display of breath taking football, Fillipo Inzaghi struck from a close range effort after some magical interplay between Brazilians Kaka and Cafu . The Italian etched his name into the record book with that goal taking his personal European tally to 63, Making Inzaghi the all time leading goal scorer in all European competitions.

The Home win was a big positive for European giants Milan who have failed to record a league win in the San Siro. It was not plain sailing for the Italians however as Celtic put up a Fight typical of the Scottish champions reputation. In a surprise move Celtic coach Gordon Strachan relegated powerful Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to the bench. With Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti Replacing his controversial keeper Dida with Zeljko Kalac.

Celtic Looked jittery in the opening stages of the match and made unforced errors which Milan failed to capitalize on the first being an early free kick which Clarence Seedorf could only slam into the wall on 15 minutes. Kaka served notice as to why he is Front runner for the world player of the year award when he narrowly missed the outside of the post on 25 minutes.

In a quiet match where scoring opportunities were a rarity It took Milan 70 minutes to score the decisive Goal and the Italian spoke of his joy at beating the record previously held by Gerd Mueller saying “It was a strange feeling, like inner peace,”

Milan could well have doubled their lead but for Celtic Keeper Artur Boruc making excellent saves to deny Christian Brocchi and Inzaghi. Kaka also threatened to add to his remarkable European tally but was denied thanks to a goal line clearance in optional time.

Both sets of fans greeted the final whistle with cheers, knowing the next round of Europe’s top competition beckons

http://sportblog.co.za/wp-content/themes/carblog