David Beckham to stay in Milan

Milan, Feb 4: Reports suggest that A C Milan have determined to keep David Beckham, if he wish to continue in Italy. Beckham was halfway through a three-month loan with Milan that will end on March 8.

Beckham earlier had told that he enjoyed his return to Europe more than he expected, and he respected the five year contract with Los Angeles signed in 2007. He added that playing for Milan was 'something special.' But the Galaxy has reiterated that it wants Beckham back when the loan ends. Meanwhile A C Milan coach Ancelotti was impressed with Beckham and wanted the England midfielder to remain at San Siro.

Ancelotti told Sky TV Italia that nobody can tell what will happen after March 9. "Beckham wants to stay here, he has not hidden that fact, but it is a problem between him and LA Galaxy. As a club, we cannot get into this matter. "He has given a new push to the team in terms of quality and enthusiasm. He has given the team something extra and certainly if he stayed it would make it easier to win the Scudetto."

Such has been Beckham's impact that he was included in Milan's 25-man roster for UEFA Cup games against Werder Bremen on Feb. 18 and 26.

"He has given the team all his quality, by his work rate, his talent, his assists and the goals he has scored. He has made an unexpected contribution." Galliani said the financial benefits of Beckham's presence have also boosted the club.

"I think he does (want to stay), but I can only speak of what the club wants to do and Milan will do everything possible to have Beckham after March," Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It is evident that our will is there to keep him until the end of the season or even on a permanent transfer. There is hope, but contracts have to be honored. If the Galaxy want to start negotiations we will be happy to try, but they are right, the agreements are clear _ on March 9 Beckham must return to America."

In Jan, he played in a lucrative friendly with Hannover, and was expected to play some part in a friendly against Rangers in Glasgow on Wednesday.

"(Beckham's marketing appeal) exists and we understand it following the many requests we have received to play friendly games, but it is not only his presence which attracts other clubs," Galliani said. "We have a group of stars."


OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)