Lalas: Beckham Could Extend Milan Stay

The former LA Galaxy general manager has declared that Becks "will have to do what he feels appropriate for his career" and may not go back to the USA.

David Beckham is eager to make his Serie A debut at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night, as Milan will face Roma.

The England international will not have many chances to shine in the peninsula, because he is expected to go back to his club Los Angeles Galaxy in March, ahead of the start of the MLS season, but Alexi Lalas has left the door open to a sensational rethink.

“I believe David wants to do well with the Galaxy, but you only have one career,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“The experience he is going to have at Milan will benefit him individually, he's back in his comfort zone at Milan, playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a tremendous amount of talent around him.

“The Galaxy will survive without David Beckham, whether that is three years from now or three months from now. He has to do what he feels appropriate for his career…”

The Diavoli have signed Golden Balls on loan until the end of the season, but there is a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in the deal to release the midfielder next March.

However, it was also revealed earlier this week that a clause in his contract with the California-based side would allow him to walk away at the end of the next MLS season.

Brasilian Relationship - Pele : I Just Respect Kaka

"Footballers now often change their clubs, and then hypocritically kiss their bagde of their new squad.The Brasilians are different,just like me"-said one of the best footballers of all time.

The Legend discovered some unknown details of his carrer who spent his whole carrer in brasillian Santos and said that in this modern world of soccer/football, the only football player that respects the football is Kaka.

"I was often thinking about coming in Europe, but It was better for me to stay in the club that I wanted to stay in. Real Madrid,Manchester and Juventus were interested 'bout me and the "OLD LADY" was before finnishing negotations with Santos.-reveals Pele one of the best 20 players in the whole world and claims that today he admires Kaka:

"Cristiano Ronaldo reminds me of George Beast.He is interesting like Wayne Rooney, but Kaka is always above them. Real Madrid tried to bring him, but he stood loyam to them and I think that he is very happy in San Siro. Why didn't he left his teammates, the team that always won trophies"-declared the Brasilian, who really likes this footballer and his team.

"Today exist only some players that like the football just like Kaka. Makes me annoyed the fact that nowadays the players often change their clubs, and then hypocritically kiss their bagde of their new team. Then kids don't know will they support the team or the footballer, and then maybe the kids wont like football anymore.-found out Pele with little help by Maradona.

No Milan, No England For Beckham – Capello

Had David Beckham not joined Milan, his chances of playing for England would have been minimal, according to Don Fabio.

David Beckham has recently joined up with his new team AC Milan of Italy, in a bid to remain match fit, whilst the MLS season is not in operation.

The English superstar’s main reason for joining the Rossoneri was to keep his international dreams alive, as he goes in search of a World Cup spot with his country in 2010.

And in a recent interview, his national team coach, Fabio Capello, made some interesting comments about Beckham’s decision to sign for San Siro giants.

“Experience in Milan will leave Beckham in good condition to play with the national team,” Capello was quoted as saying by Tuttomercatoweb.

“To play in a team such as Milan, in a league like the Italian one, where all the matches are difficult, is invaluable for him.

“In Italy you draw experience each and every day of the week, and I am expecting him to return in optimal condition.

“He knows that I would not have called him up for England had he not joined Milan, so he has made the right decision,” Capello concluded.

Beckham is expected to make his official debut for the Rossoneri this weekend at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma.

Cassano Praises Beckham's Presence At Milan

Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano is sure that his former teammate, David Beckham, will do great things at AC Milan...

David Beckham's move to Serie A raised some eyebrows, but Antonio Cassano has faith in the English player. The two were once teammates at Real Madrid and Cassano is sure that 'Golden Balls' will succeed at Milan.

"Aside from just being a marketing phenomenon, he is a great player as well," Cassano told SKY during an interview.

"Beckham can play in a 4-4-2 on the outside or in a number of roles. He is a very versatile player of great quality."

Cassano is well-known for being a handful and revealed that he and Beckham used to joke together on the pitch during training sessions in Madrid.

"In three years there, David never learned how to speak Spanish," he revealed. "All he knew how to say were swear words!"

The Euro 2008 call-up then looked forward to facing Becks as an opponent: "I'm waiting for when I play against him. I'm sure he'll do well. Best of luck!"

Roberto Carlos Proclaims Milan's Beckham As The Best

The former Real Madrid team-mates got on well during their time at the Bernebeu, and the Brazilian has only compliments for the English free-kick specialist.

In an interview with UEFA Training Ground, Fenerbahce defender Roberto Carlos named David Beckham as the best free-kick taker he has ever seen.

The two footballers played alongside each other at Real Madrid for four years from 2003 to 2007, and in that time they had a system for deciding who would take free kicks.

Carlos revealed: “It depended on the position of the ball and the distance. I would shoot it along the short side of the wall or over it and he would shoot wide of the wall or over it.

"I would stand on one side and Beckham on the other, but I wanted to see Beckham take the free-kick because it's beautiful how he hits the ball.”

Beckham is currently on a short term loan at Serie A giants Milan in an effort to stay fit during the MLS off season, and the 33-year-old may get a few chances to take free kicks for the Rossoneri, providing that Ronaldinho and Andrea Pirlo allow it.

Roberto Carlos ended by saying: “Beckham was for me an enormous example as a person and a footballer.”

'All-Star' Milan Can Work - Donadoni

Former Milan player Roberto Donadoni thinks the Rossoneri can afford to play with a midfield composed of David Beckham, Clarence Seedorf, and Andrea Pirlo, with Kaká, Ronaldinho, and a striker up front.

Can David Beckham, Clarence Seedorf, and Andrea Pirlo coexist together in the same midfield, with Ronaldinho, Kaká, and Alexandre Pato or Filippo Inzaghi up front? That is a question Milan fans have been asking themselves ever since it was announced that the Englishman would join the Rossoneri.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti has been asked about this too, and he has confirmed he is willing to try it out. Former Italy coach and Milan player Roberto Donadoni also thinks it is possible, citing the legendary Rossoneri he played in as an example.

"The physical aspect will be important," he said, "because when players like that are in good shape, then their technical value comes out more easily. An 'all-star' Milan? It can work. When I played at Milan there were four or five players with a lot of technical quality. And it worked, because we collaborated.

"[Marco] Van Basten, [Frank] Rijkaard, [Ruud] Gullit, [Alberigo] Evani, [Paolo] Maldini and [Franco] Baresi... Evani's left foot equalled Beckham's right foot!"

This comparison may seem odd to some, but Alberigo "Chicco" Evani was a very accomplished winger in his playing days, spending 13 years at Milan and taking part in the 1994 World Cup with Italy.

Some Milan fans may also remember him for his winning goal in the 1989 Intercontinental Cup final against Atlético Nacional. Currently he is taking courses to be a coach.

Liverpool Reject Milan Bid For Agger - Reports

Liverpool have rejected AC Milan's recent bid for defender Daniel Agger, according to the latest reports..

Milan may have to turn their attention to a different defender, as Liverpool have reportedly rejected the Rossoneri's bid for Daniel Agger.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti is looking for a new recruit to solve his club's defensive woes this season, but it appears the 24-year-old will not be the one to join the Italian club.

The Reds have rejected Milan's €8.5 million bid, according to the Daily Star, as Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez considers the Danish stopper a key memeber of his squad and does not want to let him go.

Agger arrived at Liverpool in 2006 and has been in and out of the line-up since that time, often taking the place of the injured Martin Skrtel this season.

Milan have been linked with a number of defenders, including French internationals Philippe Mexes and William Gallas, so they may now go after one of those players before the winter transfer window ends.

Kaka hoping for Becks stay

Kaka hopes a quiet word in the ear of David Beckham could persuade the midfielder to extend his loan.

The England international has only just linked up with his team-mates from MLS outfit LA Galaxy.

Beckham only has two months with the Rossoneri, but Kaka believes the 33-year-old still has the ability to succeed with the Italian giants.

Kaka secretly hopes the former Three Lions captain stays longer than his allotted period and plans a private meeting to enforce his desire.

"Beckham is a very nice guy. He has brought his talent and professionalism and can help us," Kaka told the Daily Star.

"We hope he can stay for longer than this loan. I will ask him. He's a great player who can still play in very good competitions like the English, Italian or Spanish championships.

"He is still a big player and can play at the top level for a long time to come."

Happy

Meanwhile, Kaka has shrugged off talk of a possible move away from AC Milan stating he is happy at the club and has no reason to leave.

"I am very happy here," he continued. "I still have the hunger and desire and I believe I can achieve my targets with AC Milan."

Milan Defeat Hamburg On Penalties On Beckham Debut

David Beckham made an unspectacular debut as Milan played out a 1-1 draw with Hamburg in Dubai, before winning 4-3 on penalties

Milan 1-1 Hamburg

Milan were warming up for the resumption of the Serie A calendar this weekend, and fielded a strong line-up, with Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Pato and debutant David Beckham, who passed a late fitness test, all starting.

Hamburg also fielded many of their first-teamers, with Alex Silva, Piotr Trochowski, and Ivica Olic all playing.

Pato had the first attempt of the game, cutting in from the left and firing wide.

A mistake by Paolo Maldini gifted a chance to Jose Paolo Guerrero, but the Peruvian lashed off-target.

Hamburg were much the better side in the first half-hour, and did most of the attacking. Ivica Olic headed wide, while Alex Silva just failed to turn the ball home at the back post from a right wing free kick.

Marcell Jansen came desperately close to breaking the deadlock on 32 minutes, curling inches over the bar. Dida then had to be sharp to push away a long-shot from Guerrero.

Pato tested Hesl with a daisycutter down the other end, but the sides went in goalless at the break.

There were a mass of substitutes at the break, with Beckham one of those to make way.

Shevchenko and Hamburg substitute Mladen Petric both had attempts in an even start to the second half.

On the hour mark, Milan were awarded a penalty after Ambrosini went down in the box under pressure from Alex Silva. Ronaldinho stepped up, and sent Hesl the wrong way to put Milan ahead.

The lead lasted little longer than five minutes though as substitute Collin Benjamin bundled the ball home from a corner.

Hamburg now looked for a second goal, and Olic zipped in behind Milan replacement Philippe Senderos, and fizzed a low shot just wide.

The Germans missed a fine chance with five minutes remaining as Petric was unmarked six yards out but headed wide. Ronaldinho volleyed over for Milan.

The game went to penalties, and Milan won 4-3. Emerson missed for the Rossoneri, while Aogo and Thiago Neves failed for Hamburg.

Milan: Dida; Zambrotta, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Ronaldinho; Pato, Shevchenko

Hamburg: Hesl, Demel, Reinhardt, Mathijsen, Aogo, Jarolim, Alex Silva, Trochowski, Jansen, Olic, Guerrero

Milan Set To Announce Pennant Move - Reports

Italian media claim that the Rossoneri have wrapped up a deal to bring in the Liverpool man next summer.

The Corriere dello Sport reports this morning that Milan have completed an incredible swoop for Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant and have reached an agreement to sign him next July when his contract with the Reds will run out and the 25-year-old will become a free-agent.

The newspaper considers the move a done deal and reveals that the Rossoneri will soon make it official.

Arsenal snapped up the midfielder from Notts County in 1999 and he was handed his Premier League debut at the age of 16.

He has been with Liverpool since 2006 and turned down moves to Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers over the summer, but the Premier League leaders have decided not to take up the option to invoke a one-year-extension on his current deal and he will be free to walk away in the summer.

Meanwhile, there are reports that Beckham has shaken off his muscular problem and will make his debut in a Diavoli jersey in the game with Hamburg this afternoon.

Alessandro Nesta: My Career Is Not Over

The former Azzurri stopper has been injured for quite some time, but he insists that he will return to the pitch soon...

Milan defender Alessandro Nesta feels that he is ready to make his return to Serie A, as he wants to prove to all of those who have written him off that he is still a world-class player.

Injuries have slowed Nesta down in the past few years, but he has made a lot of progress during his rehabilitation time in Miami and now feels fully motivated for his return to the Italian top-flight in the coming days.

"I return in Italy on January 14 and the day after I will be at Milanello for the physical preparations," declared the former Lazio player to Il Giornale.

"I know everything that's happening in Italy, as I follow you from there and know perfectly what you write. I know that you predict the worst and that you are taking for granted that I will never recover physically.

"However, the work I have done here has worked. During these weeks I worked hard. I will return to Italy, and I will return not to say goodbye to football and my career."

The 32-year-old joined Milan from Lazio in 2002 and has made 156 appearances for the team, scoring three goals in the process.

BREAKING NEWS: Beckham Injured, Doubtful For Hamburg Friendly

The Englishman has picked up his first injury and he could miss tomorrow's friendly with Hamburg...

Milan midfielder David Beckham may have to wait a little longer for his debut after picking up a muscular injury during this afternoon's training session.

The new recruit worked hard with the rest of the team, but he was forced to abandon the training pitch after one of his muscles ceased up.

Il Corriere Dello Sport claims the Englishman was unable to continue and he is now doubtful for the game against Hamburg.

Before this set-back, Becks was ready and it was believed he would start against the Germans. However, those possibilities have been slashed and coach Carlo Ancelotti will analyse the situation before tomorrow's kick off.

As well as this, Brazilian ace Kaka has been ruled out. The playmaker trained on his own and he will not be playing against Hamburg as he races towards fitness and the Roma game on Sunday.

Here is the team which will face the German side if Beckham recovers in time.

Abbiati; Zambrotta, Maldini, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Beckham, Pirlo, Flamini; Ronaldinho; Pato, Shevchenko.

Seedorf may take Beckham's place if he is not able to play.

Beckham Will Be A Disaster At Milan - Seedorf

The Dutchman has shown an unlikely and sour attitude towards Beckham, but it was all in aid of humourous atmosphere...

Clarence Seedorf has the blood boiling at Milan after revealing that new recruit David Beckham will be a disaster at the club.

Everyone at the Rossoneri have welcomed the Englishman with open arms.

Seedorf on the other hand, has taken a different view. Perhaps the midfielder is afraid Beckham will keep him out of action.

"I am sure that his adventure in Serie A will be a disaster," Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia.

"He is the typical player who creates plenty of problems and he doesn't understand what we say to him.

"He doesn't care on the team and he only thinks about himself. I won't help him, he will destroy this club."

Harsh words from the former Real Madrid man. However, for those who fear a split dressing room, do not despair, Seedorf, like on the pitch, was only pulling legs.

"Obviously I am joking. Beckham is a player who can integrate well here," added the Dutchman.

The players are training hard in Dubai and they will play Hamburg in a friendly match on Tuesday.

Beckham is ready to play, but he may not get the nod against the Germans.

Milan Prepare Agger Offer - Report

The Rossoneri are expected to take advantage of the difficult contract situation between Liverpool and Agger by offering a contract to the player which will please all the involved parties.

According to Italian daily Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan are preparing to make an offer for Daniel Agger as his contract situation with Liverpool seems to be more complicated than ever.

The Rossoneri want to offer between €8 to €8.5 million to the Reds, which could please the English club. Rafael Benitez's side will still want to think their decision over well before coming to a conclusion because of their involvement in all major four competitions as they will need to have a strong squad for the remainder of the season.

Another hint that Liverpool might allow Agger to go arrives from the English media who are reporting that Benitez's team is interested in signing Glen Johnson from Portsmouth.

Milan will have to wait a few more days before a final decision is taken, but, in the meantime, the Rossoneri are also looking around for other defenders in order to bolster a rearguard that has been hit by injuries and has looked fragile throughout these first few months of the season.

Agger, a 24-year-old defender, has been at Liverpool since 2006 following his move from Brondby.

I Can't Imagine Not Being At Milan - Ronaldinho

From the Rossoneri's Dubai training camp, Ronaldinho talked about the Scudetto race, his ambitions for the new year, the Ballon D'Or, and ending his career at Milan...

From Milan's winter training camp in Dubai, Ronaldinho talked about the team's objectives for the new year, and in particular for the second half of the season.

"We want to play a great Uefa Cup, and finish the league in the top positions to be able to play in the Champions League next season," he said. "These preparations are very important to get back some players we've been missing badly in this period."

On the Scudetto race with Inter, Ronnie said: "We immediately have a difficult match against Roma, in a stadium with a lot of enthusiasm, but we have to start well. It won't be easy, but only by preparing well and playing well will we be able to recover those 9 points that separate us from Inter. We have a good chance to make 2009 an excellent year."

He then went on to talk about his own shape: "I am improving every day, as are my team mates. The only thing I am missing is the match rhythm, but physically I am feeling perfect.

"The Ballon D'Or? I'm only thinking about Milan, individual titles only come when the team the player is a part of gets results."

On the difficulties of managing so many big names in one team, particularly after the arrival of David Beckham, the 28-year-old said: "The important thing is that everyone is ready to sacrifice themselves for the team. Personally, I don't have any problems playing anywhere, midfield or attack, right or left, it doesn't make a difference to me."

Finally, on whether he sees himself ending his career with Milan, Ronaldinho said: "For now I'm not thinking about what I'll do when my career ends. At the moment, however, I cannot imagine being in any team other than Milan."

Ancelotti: Beckham To Make Milan Debut Against Roma

Milan's latest recruit will play against Roma on January 11th, after Beckham left his new coach amazed in training...
Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Beckham could make his full Serie A debut in the showdown clash with Roma next weekend.

The English midfielder has been enjoying his new surroundings, although things did not go smoothly during Saturday morning's training session as Becks scored an own goal.

Nevertheless, Ancelotti has been impressed with his new signing and he admits that the former Manchester United star could get the nod against the Giallorossi.

"He could be ready for the game against Roma," Ancelotti told Il Corriere Dello Sport.

"It's true that he hasn't been playing recently, but he has been working really hard in training and he is making an excellent impression on everyone."

Meanwhile, the Rossoneri are looking forward to this evening's prestigious gala, which has been laid on by one of the club's sponsors.

Fly Emirates have organised a special dinner and dance ceremony for the club.

Becks, though, is unlikely to do too much eating as he aims to keep his 33-year-old body in top-notch condition.

Kaka Wants Success With Milan In 2009

The superstar of the Rossoneri has declared his objectives for the New Year…

For a man that has won almost everything there is to win in World Football, Milan’s Kaka is as determined and motivated to succeed as ever, at the commencement of the New Year.

Speaking from the club’s mid-season training camp in Dubai, the Brazilian superstar stated his goals for the New Year, from the team’s perspective, as well as his own individual viewpoint.

“I want the Scudetto, the Uefa Cup, 100 goals in a Milan shirt, and maybe later in the year, a new Ballon D’Or,” Kaka declared in a press conference.

“It is beautiful to be here in Dubai for the second consecutive year.

“I get the sense that the squad is becoming much closer and more united, heading into the second half of the season,” he added.

“We will work together to achieve our goals in 2009.

I hope that it is a successful year for us, where we enjoy numerous victories, as well as continuity, to give ourselves every chance of challenging for the championship,” he concluded.

The 26-year-old attacker was the recipient of the Ballon D’Or in 2007, and currently has over 60 goals to his name for the Rossoneri.

Kaka’s interview with Corriere della Sera

Here are some chosen quotes from Kaka’s recent interview with Corriere della Sera.
Reflections“2008 was a special year because my son was born. On the professional aspect, I cannot say the same: 2008 was not good as 2007.”
Transfer Rumors“I do not think me (moving to Real Madrid) will happen. Milan and I have the same goals. For two years, (these rumors) were discussed. After Real Madrid, it was Chelsea.”
Milan in Serie-A“I do not care about Inter’s position in the league. What bothers me is that we won the last Italian Championship in 2004.”
About Beckham“He will be with us only two months. Beckham made a very interesting choice for him and for Milan too”

Milan's Gattuso Reflects On 2008; And Talks Up Istanbul Return...

Crocked midfielder Gattuso spoke about his desires for the upcoming year...

At the start of December, Serie A was shocked by the news that midfield schemer Gennaro Gatusso could be out for the rest of the season as he tore his anterior cruciate ligament during the 1-0 victory over Catania.Gatusso caught up with the Milan Channel during the second day of the club's training camp in Dubai, to share his reflections over the past year, and his hopes for 2009."Today a year ends of which I would not throw away anything, aside from the injury I suffered, but that's also part of the game and I only have to accept it. "Sixteen days have passed, slowly I am healing."He continued: "I have a lot of desire to return, particularly because of how I am character-wise, I am always ready to analyse and judge myself, I'd like to come back stronger than before, but at the moment all I can do is wait."On the prospect of returning for the Uefa Cup final in Istanbul, he said: "Certainly, but only the thought that Milan might participate to a final, particularly at Istanbul, is for me a reason of great pride. "It would be a great satisfaction to be there, but if I wouldn't make it because of my knee, I would still be on the sidelines to encourage my team mates and transmit my strength on them."He concluded: "A special wish goes to all the Rossoneri fans who are always numerous at the stadium and who always support us. I hope we are able to achieve some satisfactions the coming year to make all the Rossoneri hearts happy."In the immediate weeks after Rino's injury, thousands of Goal.com users sent their messages of support, upon reading the notes, Gatusso sent a heartwarming thank-you.

Kaka Still Believes In Scudetto For Milan

The Rossoneri are nine points behind Inter in the title race, but that has not dampened Kaka's hopes of winning the Scudetto.

Milan midfielder Kaka is desperate to win an important trophy this season, with the Italian league title being on top of his wish list.Kaka is hoping that the Rossoneri can reclaim calcio's most prestigious trophy after almost five years since their last success in this competition."This year we must return to win something important," declared the Brazilian player to the Corriere dello Sport. "This team has hunger for wins."Preferences? I still believe in the Scudetto, we can do it. We have the duty to try to win it, at all cost, also because the last success in this competition dates back to 2004."A very long time has passed since then and this is really annoying. Winning the league would also mean a return to the Champions League. The UEFA Cup is in third place.Kaka has been at Milan since 2003. He has played 176 games and scored 61 goals.

Milan Ready To Offer Arsenal Cash For Gallas

Italian giants AC Milan are ready to rumble in north London as they increase the pressure on Arsenal to release their renegade French central defender William Gallas.

Milan are ready to offer under-fire Arsenal stopper William Gallas an escape route from the Emirates as they get set to launch a €5 million bid for him.
The French defender has reached the point of no return and rumours of an exit have been rife ever since he was stripped of the captaincy. Arsenal do not seem resistant to a sale and the deal could take off during the current transfer window.
Il Corriere Dello Sport claim the San Siro giants are keen on the 31-year-old and they are looking at ways of bringing him to Serie A. The Rossoneri have a number of injury problems at the back and, with Alessandro Nesta facing the possibility of an operation, a defender with experience is needed.
Vice-president Adriano Galliani has opened the safe and €5m have Gallas' name on it. Milan could also be coaxed into signing on-loan defender Philippe Senderos, also from Arsenal, who could be inserted into the deal in order to further convince the north London club.
Also, Gallas would be eligible to participate in Milan's UEFA Cup campaign which is good news for Carlo Ancelotti as his side haven't always impressed in the competition this term.

Inzaghi Promises New Year 'Revenge' For Milan

Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi has spoken about the past year as well as the upcoming one, which he believes will be a much more satisfying one for his team.Inzaghi also thinks that the year that is coming to an end helped the team to grow and will be useful for them in 2009."2008 was the year of reflection," declared the former Juventus player to Gazzetta dello Sport."In 2007 Milan had won everything, we had enjoyed ourselves. Then a different season arrived, in which the only regret is tied to the missed qualification to the Champions League."However, we grow up also in the difficulties and Milan will prove this."2009 will be the year of the revenge: we believe in the Scudetto because not playing in the Champions League in Spring is an advantage."Inzaghi has been at Milan since 2001, where he played 148 games and scored 57 goals.