Beckham surprised by fresh start

The England midfielder, who has joined the Rossoneri on two-month loan deal from the LA Galaxy, played 89 minutes and impressed as Milan drew 2-2.

"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."

He added: "When we had the meeting before the game, Ancelotti told all the players what the team was and that's when I found out.

"I didn't think I would last that long but I felt so good.

"At half-time I felt really strong. I think the manager saw that I felt good, that I still had energy and he kept me on. And I'm glad the manager kept me as long as he did because I needed time on the pitch in order to get match fitness."

Beckham, who is hoping to continue to play for England, was asked if national team boss Fabio Capello had told him anything before playing for Milan, a club Capello once coached.

"Everybody knows I have a very good relationship with Fabio," Beckham said. "He's a great manager. "He gave me advice to play football at the highest level.

"It is great to play at this club and to be out there with some great players. I'm enjoying being part of this team and training with these players but I will take it one step at a time.

"It's pretty amazing to be among some of those players and I'm glad to just give them the ball and they'll deliver."