[ITALY] David Beckham got his first up-close look at his new team, and it's clear he arrives to a better situation than
he did when he joined the Los Angeles Galaxy 18 months ago. AC Milan put on an impressive performance in a 5-1 win over Udinese on Sunday, a day after Beckham made his first public appearance in
Milan.
Beckham's arrival should be a boost for injury-ravaged Milan, but the Rossoneri impressed with two goals and an assist from young Brazilian forward
Alexandre Pato in the first 18 minutes.
Clarence Seedorf knocked home the rebound of
Andrea Pirlo's free kick's off the post and
Kaka scored from 20 yards for his second goal.
Beckham hopes to regain a spot
on England's national team during the MLS offseason.
"I wouldn't take this opportunity if I didn't think that I could help the team and help the club," Beckham
said.
Beckham is expected to play his first game for Milan on its post-Christmas trip to Dubai. Its next Serie A is at Roma on Jan. 11.
"He is in really great
physical condition, I am told," said Milan vice president
Adriano Galliani, "and I believe that after the period of preparation in Dubai, I believe
he will be up to playing."
The loan deal expires March 9.
Milan is in third place in Serie A, nine points behind leader Inter Milan, which won, 2-1, at Siena on a
pair of goals by Brazilian
Maicon.
Second-place Juventus won, 3-1, at Atalanta on goals by
Alessandro Del
Piero,
Nicola Legrottaglie and
Amauri.