Beckham to AC Milan On Loan

GrandOldTeam · October 22, 2008

David Beckham will join AC Milan on a six-month loan deal in January, the Italian club has told BBC Sport.
The England midfielder, 33, plays for Los Angeles Galaxy, whose Major League Soccer season ends this weekend.

BBC SPORT | Football | Europe | Beckham to join AC Milan on loan

McBain · October 22, 2008

I hate football teams that aren't Everton Ive realised.

Except Barcelona for some reason. I love those little guys.

Bruce Wayne · October 22, 2008

With him on one flank and Ronaldinho on the other they'll have the least mobile wingmen in the world. Seriously though, I wonder how they'll play him as traditionally they've played a kind of 4-3-3 with Gattuso-Pirlo-Seedorf in midfield, and Kaka-Inzaghi-Pato up front.

TX Bill · October 22, 2008

Don't know what to think about this to be honest.

Obviously, he'd have to leave AC Milan before the end of the season to start the new MLS season next year.

Cal · October 22, 2008

Bruce Wayne said:
With him on one flank and Ronaldinho on the other they'll have the least mobile wingmen in the world. Seriously though, I wonder how they'll play him as traditionally they've played a kind of 4-3-3 with Gattuso-Pirlo-Seedorf in midfield, and Kaka-Inzaghi-Pato up front.

He's moved into a more central role these days, seems like he prefers playing a deep role spraying the passes. He'll probably replace Seedorf, well he's better then him anyway.

ToxtethBlue · October 22, 2008

I think he'll be a squad player for them, used sparingly. He's not good enough for the first eleven.

Gazdalf · October 23, 2008

TX Bill said:
Don't know what to think about this to be honest.

Obviously, he'd have to leave AC Milan before the end of the season to start the new MLS season next year.

If he has a few games for Milan, does well, and has fun, then I honestly think he will kiss goodbye to MLS. Just my personal hunch. This is not just about England caps, I believe this is him trying to find a way back to Europe. He will then start doing coaching badges and be part of the backroom staff at England for many years to come.

Bruce Wayne · October 23, 2008

Of course, I twitter on about English players going abroad to improve themselves so on that basis it's great that he's having a go in Italy. Don't think we've had an Englishman in Serie A since Ince left Inter have we?

zero · October 23, 2008

Bruce Wayne said:
Of course, I twitter on about English players going abroad to improve themselves so on that basis it's great that he's having a go in Italy. Don't think we've had an Englishman in Serie A since Ince left Inter have we?

Jay Bothroyd. He went on loan to Perugia a couple of seasons ago when they where in Serie A.

Bruce Wayne · October 23, 2008

I didn't know that. Did he do any good?

zero · October 23, 2008

Bruce Wayne said:
I didn't know that. Did he do any good?

Not really, he didn't get much game time. Only really started to get into gear when he joined Charlton.

Gazdalf · October 23, 2008

Bruce Wayne said:
Of course, I twitter on about English players going abroad to improve themselves so on that basis it's great that he's having a go in Italy. Don't think we've had an Englishman in Serie A since Ince left Inter have we?

Robbie Keane Inter 2001

TX Bill · October 23, 2008

Gazdalf said:
If he has a few games for Milan, does well, and has fun, then I honestly think he will kiss goodbye to MLS. Just my personal hunch. This is not just about England caps, I believe this is him trying to find a way back to Europe. He will then start doing coaching badges and be part of the backroom staff at England for many years to come.

No chance of that.

Milan wouldn't come anywhere near the pay he's getting to play in MLS. Second, MLS wouldn't sell him unless Milan comes in with some stupid transfer fee (think 15-20M+) which they won't as he isn't worth that, even from a marketing standpoint.

If Milan were crazy enough to offer stupid money for him, MLS might be tempted to cash in.

But, as it stands, he'll be back in time for the LA Galaxy season opener in April 2009. In the meantime, he can stay fit, stay in Capello's plans, get a few appearances for Milan, and continue marketing Brand Beckham.

Scottoffee · October 24, 2008

Doesn't exactly come across as a guy that'd pick up languages and settle into a different culture that quickly, so really don't see the point of a 3 month loan in Italy.

We've got some brilliant training facilities, as do many clubs in the league, he'd be better suited heading back to England - he'd be much more likely to see some matchtime, already speaks the language, has a house etc...

Only people that'll seriously gain are the Milan bankers, he'll be milked for every ounce of his massive marketability - another distraction from the reason he's supposed to be going.

coyney · October 24, 2008

Scottoffee said:
Doesn't exactly come across as a guy that'd pick up languages and settle into a different culture that quickly, so really don't see the point of a 3 month loan in Italy.

We've got some brilliant training facilities, as do many clubs in the league, he'd be better suited heading back to England - he'd be much more likely to see some matchtime, already speaks the language, has a house etc...

Only people that'll seriously gain are the Milan bankers, he'll be milked for every ounce of his massive marketability - another distraction from the reason he's supposed to be going.

More cash, better shops higher profile (y)