[arivanjj]

David Beckham told the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ that the toughest decision of his career was turning down Milan to join LA Galaxy and explains why Antonio Cassano is “crazy.”

The Real Madrid man’s contract expires next month and in January he was free to negotiate with a number of clubs.

Milan announced they had been his number one option if Becks had decided to stay in Europe and the player admits that is true.

“It was not easy to say no to Milan, one of the best clubs in the world. The squad, the Coach, the President, the city and then Ronaldo went there too. It was a very tough choice,” said the England international who today received a surprise recall from Steve McClaren for the friendly against Brazil and Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia.

“I was honoured, flattered and tempted. But I had to think about my family and wanted a different challenge.

“I am well aware that football in the States cannot be compared to that in Europe, but I see it as a challenge. I am not just going there to play, I am an ambassador for a movement.

“I would have liked to play in Serie A. Italy is a country I love because it has everything – great football, great players, the best food in the world, wine, fashion, countryside. Last year I was in Portofino and have often gone to Tuscany. We even thought of getting a house there.”

Former Real teammate Ronaldo was celebrating the Champions League trophy in Athens and Beckham could have been there with him.

“It was a deserved success, especially considering everything they did during the season. The second leg against Manchester United was the perfect performance. Milan play great football, work hard, score fantastic goals and have extraordinary talents like Kaka.”

Liverpool felt they were unfortunate after losing the Final 2-1 on Wednesday, but Beckham does not see it that way.

“Liverpool know it too, Milan played better in Athens and they won. Filippo Inzaghi has scored extraordinary goals, important goals and fortunate goals. But you cannot talk about luck really in his case – he has been hitting the back of the net all his life and is to be admired.”

The race for the Ballon d’Or is Milan-heavy this year and captain Paolo Maldini is in the running.

“He deserves to challenge for it with Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. Anyone who at the age of 39 is playing in a club like Milan and has the respect that Maldini commands deserves to win. But it will be difficult.”

Beckham is a teammate of current European and World Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro and another Italian talent, Antonio Cassano, at Real.

“They are very different, both great lads. Cassano is crazy, but he’s also one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He is always happy, ready to laugh and joke around, not to mention a real talent. I’d like him to play more.

“Cannavaro is one of the best defenders I have ever known. We got on well off the field as well, we’re good friends.”

The same cannot be said of Coach Fabio Capello, who often clashed with Beckham at the Bernabeu and froze him out after he signed for LA Galaxy.

“He is one of the greatest managers in the world. Whatever you may say about him, his career speaks for itself. He is a winner, someone who believes in his players and is on our side. These are qualities you could see despite the problems within the club.”


Channel4

[Rossoneri7]

Nahh .. I think it was better that Beckham agreed to go to the States. He is a an exceptional player; his qualities are unique. But the US market is the best one for him. His merchandising in the US would reach a record high figures for him (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

And with his new pay deal in the US. I doubt Berlusconi would give him such a contract (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

[milanista1899]

Nahh .. I think it was better that Beckham agreed to go to the States. He is a an exceptional player; his qualities are unique. But the US market is the best one for him. His merchandising in the US would reach a record high figures for him (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

And with his new pay deal in the US. I doubt Berlusconi would give him such a contract (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

You misread my post! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) I agreed with Porty when he said he should go to LA - NOW! I was talking about him coming here years ago! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) I wouldn't want him here now! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[Rossoneri7]

You misread my post!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif) I agreed with Porty when he said he should go to LA - NOW! I was talking about him coming here years ago! (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)   I wouldn't want him here now!  (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)   (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

Hehehe I wasnt refering to u (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I was talking in general .. That financially, it is better for him to go to the US.

But (just read ur post (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) ) .. I wouldn't have wanted Beckham back then. We had a super team .. Nesta, Shevchenko, Seedorf, Gattuso .. These were amongst the signings around the time he transfered to Madrid. I was too excited about Shevchenko to think of anyone else .. (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

But overall, he is an exceptional player, but I just have this thing about English players - though I like the EPL - English players in particular think of themselves as better than the rest. Kind of biased (i know, no offense), but that is just how I see it. Plus I would rather have 1 Shevchenko than 10 Beckhams on my team (IMG:http://cyrus.medialayer.net/~m1ke/milanfan.com/forums/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)