Golden balls: Beckham shapes to deliver a trademark
cross (above) and celebrates a goal with Ronaldinho
(below)
On any other day AC Milan's midweek home match against
Genoa would pass with precious little recognition in the majority
of the world's media.
Wednesday's fixture, though, was different. For this was David
Beckham's second debut with the giants of Italian football.
And what an impact the England international had. Within a few
minutes of kick-off Beckham fizzed a sumptuous low cross into the
area that Marco Borriello turned goalwards. Only a superb plunging
save prevented Milan going ahead.
Watched by England coach Fabio Capello, and playing on the right
of a three-pronged attack, Beckham excelled and was warmly
applauded as he left the pitch on 75 minutes. By then, Milan led
5-1.
Genoa's Giuseppe Sculli put Genoa ahead but Ronaldinho, Thiago
Silva, Borriello (2) and substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar all notched
to keep the Rossoneri eight points adrift of Serie A leaders Inter.
David Suazo added a late consolation.
Beckham was surprised but happy to make the 75-minute appearance
on his return to Serie A. 'I didn't expect to start, but obviously
with the injuries we got during the week, I had to. I was happy. I
was happy with the game and happy with the win and it's just great
to be back. It felt great, he said.
And Beckham - who is in Milan to earn himself a World Cup place
- was surprised to hear of Capello's presence. 'I didn't know he
was there, I only found out afterwards,' admitted the former
Manchester United player. 'But he loves football and he'll go to
every game possible. I know he visits all of the Premier League
games and, obviously being in Italy over the Christmas period, he
was able to come to this game.
'I think it's always important that I work hard and perform well
and I felt that I did that tonight but it's just one game.'
League leaders Inter Milan are the opponents in the Derby della
Madonnina later
this month and Beckham believes his side is well-placed to mount a
challenge for
silverware this season.
'I think after the first half of the season, we've done well. We
are in a great position and we need to continue because Inter are a
great team, they are going to keep winning games and they are the
team to catch.
'But you know Juventus is a huge game, not just for us but for
them as well. It's going to be a tough one but you always enjoy
playing in those games.'
Milan coach Leonardo was delighted with Beckham's performance.
'He had a week where we tried him in every role (in training). I
think that is the synthesis of what he is all about. He has an
absolute willingness to help, extraordinary quality and tactical
intelligence.'
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, added: 'Beckham, just
like last season, has been a great acquisition. He is a superb
player and a superb person. 'He earns very little from us. He
came to Milan for all different reasons than money.'
