Beckham loves Milan
David Beckham is to join AC Milan on a 3-month deal… the pace, style and attitude of the Rossonieri couldn't be a better fit for the ageing wizard. Cynics beware, this could be a lot of fun. Who wouldn't want to see Beckham in Milan?
It's that man again. Rumour has whispered in the ear of fact to come up with the half-certaintly that Lord Beckham will join AC Milan for 3 months, starting in Jan 2009. It's official – Beckham loves Milan. He's been enthusing about them for years. The only surprise is that he didn't go there a few years ago…
Cynics would be right in assuming that this is an almost purely commercial move on the part of Milan. Adriano Galliani (AC's man pulling the strings) has already referred to the be-stubbled Englishman as a "product" who will superglue bums on seats for a third of the season. On the field, although Beckham's decline is much exaggerated by the peculiarly at once enthralled and appalled tabloid press, Milan's midfield remains one of the very best in the world… and a tough nut to crack given the short-term deal. Beckham in Milan is an exciting prospect.
However, from Beckham's point of view, it really is a smart move "footballistically". The patient and considered nature of Serie A would certainly suit his style. Up front, Milan play target-man supreme Boriello and the fluid, pure aesthetic championed by the Rossonieri is quite clearly tailored for their already aging practitioners. Milan won't play him for 90 minutes, they do not play wide-men and he will not play every game. However, MilanLab are renowned for squeezing ounces of usefulness from creaking veterans (think Maldini, Cafu, Emerson, Seedorf, Inzaghi) and Beckham will be exposed to training regimes famously absent in Madrid and woefully abused in LA.
hen Beckham joins Milan, he'll have to get used to not being the only jewel in the crown. Paolo Maldini is a Milanese hero playing out his final season, Kaka is an untouchable Christian super-God, Ronaldinho is a phenomenon reborn, and Pirlo is Italy's golden boy.
Not only that but there's serious competition in the looks department. Both Paolo Maldini and Gianluca Zambrotta have modelled for Armani and, frankly, it shows. These two also have model girlfriends who make Victoria Beckham look like the spatula with breasts she so adeptly impersonates.
But brand Beckham has an almost magical allure and respect is due any English footballer who embraces other cultures. To have played in the Prem, La Liga and Serie A is some achievement indeed. Thinking of Rooney or Gerrard or Lampard playing anywhere near the borderlands of their comfort zones is near impossible. Beckham carries with him so much baggage – albeit handmade and of the finest leather – that it's very easy to forget the quality and leadership he can bring to a group of players. Milan may very well benefit from his presence in more than just a financial sense.
It will be a whirlwind romance, a fling with a mistress who, only a few long hot summers ago, offered him a lasting, meaningful relationship. It's not the love affair it should have been, but it's sure to stir the passions of all concerned.Here's to Beckham in Milan!
Related Features:
- Beckham’s love affair with Milan…
- Ciao Paolo: Goodbye Maldini…
- Ciao bello: Saying farewell to Paolo Maldini
Went to see the recent England V Kazakhstan match at Wembley. Beckham is still the best player we have wearing an England shirt. A great capture for Milan.
Oh, and isn’t the new Wembley stadium ghastly! A totally bland corporate concrete hulk. Or to put it another way a monstrous carbuncal (as the Prince of Wales might say… ). It’s totally devoid of any character or charm. And the ‘amazing’ arch is no way near impressive enough to save it’s hide. They should never have demolished the twin towers.
I agree, Beckham brings a technical quality and selfless ethic still lacking in the current set-up.
Yes, Wembley is like a ghost stadium best placed to host meaningless American Football games.