Beckham’s return to Milan confirmed

By Cindy Garcia-Bennett

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

DAVID BECKHAM has the stage he needs to prove he belongs in England’s World Cup squad following AC Milan’s announcement last night that he will rejoin them in January for another six-month loan spell.

Now 34 years old and still under contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham has been told by England coach Fabio Capello he needs top-level competition to show he merits a place in the group that will travel to South Africa next summer.

Milan were more than willing to bring the veteran back to the San Siro, where he spent a loan spell earlier this year and helped the club clinch a top-four finish to reach the Champions League.

"We are very happy to see again David Beckham with the Rossoneri jersey after the splendid experience of last season," said AC Milan vice-president Galliani.

"We are certain that this time in Europe will help the player take part in the next World Cup and to continue after his career in Los Angeles Galaxy, to whom we thank for their time."

Beckham is looking forward to returning to the San Siro.

The midfielder explained: "I needed to give myself the best possible opportunity to go to the World Cup and to play on loan for Milan will help me to do.’’

Meanwhile Real Madrid forward Kaka is expecting a warm welcome tonight when he returns to the San Siro to take on his former team AC Milan.

Kaka left the Rossoneri this summer to join Madrid after five successful seasons with the Italian giants.

Milan’s decision to sell Kaka proved a bitter blow for supporters, who were reluctant to see the club’s number one star leave. "For what I have achieved at the club in the years I spent there, I expect a warm welcome from the Rossoneri fans," Kaka said.

Madrid go into tonight’s Champions League game looking to avenge last month’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Rossoneri in the Bernabeu.

Kaka has warned his team-mates to expect another battle in Milan.

"It’s going to be a difficult match," said Kaka.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, November 03, 2009