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Posh and Becks head off to Italy
Terry Kirby22.10.08
Brand Beckham's coming home - or at least to Europe.
Swapping the downbeat Home Depot Centre in Carson City for the football temple of the San Siro - or in Victoria's case, the boutiques of Rodeo Drive for the supremely elegant Galleria di Vittorio Emanuele - David looks set to spend around two months of next year playing football on loan to AC Milan.
For both Beckhams the unexpected move next January will be a match made in heaven - Milan's denizens are mad about both football and fashion.
He gets an immediate, if brief, re-entry into top European football and the chance to play alongside other global stars such as Ronaldinho and Kaka.
Victoria meanwhile can indulge her love for clothes shopping in a city which is the home of some of fashions biggest names, such as Georgio Armani, Versace and Dolce & Gabanna.
Both sides said today the deal was still not finalised, but the aim was that Beckam would join in January on a two- month loan. He will need to return to the United States for their new football season in April.
Adriano Galliani, AC Milan president, said: "He will be a club player for a few months and then leave. Beckham chose Milan. Our team is ultra competitive and will remain so but Beckham is something different and intriguing."
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti added: "For me it would be a pleasure to have Beckham here, he is a serious athlete, a great professional."
For 33-year-old Beckham, marooned with Los Angeles Galaxy, the move is a good way to maintain his match-fitness during the closed season.
England coach Fabio Capello has made it clear that he will only select players for England who are active and in form.
Beckham will know that by joining Milan who Capello led to four league titles in the Nineties - he will give himself a good chance of winning the two caps he needs to equal Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player of 108.
Reader views (8)
The king and queen of nothingness. Who cares. It's more exiting to watch the grass grow
- Peter, Breda, the Netherlands
Why is Posh sporting a Palin?
- Kat, New York City
For crying out loud, leave them alone. In this corrupt and cynical society,can't anyone see that he is so loyal to playing for England, that he will do whatever it takes. There are not many players (if any) in the England Squad who are in it for the pride of playing for England. These people who constantly knock the Beckhams, do not have half the talent he still has left.
- E Sullivan, London
Do these two ever make meaningful (large) contributions to any charities?
- Tommy Trotte, Monmouth, UK
Couldn't hack it in England - Couldn't hack it in Spain, couldn't hack it in America - what on earth makes this ageing not so great footballer think he can hack it in Italy. And does Victoria really think the Italians will bent over backwards for her very bland "fashion" range or her very bland personality - hmmmm think not. Basically though I don't care where they goas long as they don't come back here. Mind you someone will probably dust the cobwebs off him in 2012 for the olympics - he could compete in the veterans by then and get beaten allover gain.
- Louie, London
Fantastic how do the Beckhams do it? I am a big fan of the chirpy chappy, he actually had a few seasons when I though he was class but both of them, failed singer and now failed football player seem to be catapulted to even greater heights. LA ... think it was 100's of millions of dollars over a few years for just turning up for a match, forget the Tee shirts and photo op's, now its Milan and all the fashions there. What am I doing wrong? Good luck to both of them and their agents. Do I hear another bubble burst...?
- Colin Bond, London
A desperate attempt at prolonging the shelf life and self publicity aspect of Brand Beckham! He desperately needs to play for England! Do you you not think being ignored, labelled a yesterdays man and ageing ex-England international would harm his marketability?
- Steve, Plaistow
Thank goodness for that. For one moment I thought they were coming back to the UK!
- Joe, London, UK.
