Beckham Scores for Milan, Not Homesick for L.A.

By: Daryl | January 29th, 2009

David Beckham scored the second goal of his short stay at Milan yesterday, prompting [brace yourselves Galaxy fans] more talk about a permanent move to Serie A.

I won’t be the first or last to notice this, but there’s something strangely… right about Beckham playing for AC Milan instead of LA Galaxy.

Maybe it’s the combination of the Italian press and the Beckham hype machine – two of the most powerful engines known to man.

Becks’ visit to Milan has already produced two cute little stories: After his first goal for Milan last week, Beckham apparently sent a text message to Franco Baldini (Fabio Capello’s assistant) asking “did you see my goal?”. Nice to know that even super-duper-stars need a little pat on the head now and again.

And Beckham has now been promoted from mere marketing tool to actual lucky mascot, with the Milan players copping a superstitious feel of Beckham’s lucky butt cheeks in the hope of extending their unbeaten run. Hey, whatever works, right?

Becks is on loan until March 9th, and nothing has changed in that regard. But this quote from yesterday can’t be ignored…

Beckham told Corriere Della Sera: “Playing here (Milan) is a dream for any footballer. (Staying) is not easy to decide and it’s something that needs time.

“I am under contract and I have a lot of respect for Galaxy. But the possibility of playing for Milan is something special. I knew I would enjoy myself, but I wasn’t expecting to enjoy myself so much.

“I am surprised at how quickly I have settled. Sometime it takes weeks, even months, to understand how a team plays or trains.

“I have to say that everyone has helped to put me at ease, I have been made very welcome.

“I find it very similar to Manchester. (Milan) has that tradition that only big clubs have. At Milan, as at United, there is a special atmosphere, at the training ground, the stadium. Then Milan has a great trophy room.

“To be honest, the Americans are trying too improve the level of the game and its reputation. The American game is very young, I think it needs another 10 years to reach an important level.

“I have to admit that, having played in Europe, it’s a bit frustrating in some matches. But every now and then, moving from state to state, I have enjoyed myself.”

So Beckham wants to stay, and Milan clearly want to keep him – for his right foot, for his merch appeal and for his lucky buttocks. But it’s all going to depend on whether Milan can cut a deal with LA Galaxy (not MLS, as he’s a Designated Player, is that right?).

My feeling is that Galaxy could do worse than letting him go. In terms of raising attendances and awareness, Beckham’s already done his job in MLS. There’s nothing to be gained from Beckham staying in LA when he’d clearly rather be somewhere else.

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