QUOTE (Zed.D @ Jan 8 2009, 11:56 AM) 
My favorite teams in the top 3 leagues all wear Adidas [Milan, Madrid, Liverpool (not to mention Bayern)], I have a strong bias towards it!
And Nike is the maker of Champions. United, Inter, Barca, Celtic..
Full Version: Beckham
And Nike is the maker of Champions. United, Inter, Barca, Celtic..
QUOTE (Zed.D @ Jan 8 2009, 04:56 PM)
My favorite teams in the top 3 leagues all wear Adidas [Milan, Madrid, Liverpool (not to mention Bayern)], I have a strong bias towards it!
Bah...Puma roxx! 
Italy 2006 WC, nuff said.
Italy 2006 WC, nuff said.
This is more stupid than fighting over PS3 and X360! I'm sure that even when there will be no religions to divide people we'd still find something this stupid to make war about!
QUOTE (dst @ Jan 8 2009, 03:37 PM)
This is more stupid than fighting over PS3 and X360! I'm sure that even when there will be no religions to divide people we'd still find something this stupid to make war about!
Yeah, but at least we're now arguing over something worth fighting for.. Oh no he didn't!
He's just pissed coz nobody seems to like New Balance.
QUOTE
Blog: Beckham bluff
David Beckham has finally graced Serie A. Well aren’t we honoured? Steve Wilson, for one, isn’t buying into the hype surrounding Milan’s new boy.
So it has begun. David Beckham plays almost a full 90 minutes for Milan against Roma. For the first time in living memory Sky Sports News acknowledges Serie A’s existence. First Carlo Ancelotti, then Adriano Galliani and finally Silvio Berlusconi rush to the nearest Press men to gush about how influential, serious and important a figure he is. If they say it enough times some people might actually start to believe it.
How insecure does the man have to be to require the constant reassurances of his ability? Or rather, how insecure about their signing must the Milan chiefs be if they have to keep reminding us how great he is and how it is such a coup for a humble little club like Milan to be able to have him in their side? Surely a true star would let their action on the pitch do the talking – but when your debut is as average as Beckham’s was that is a little hard.
Of course, it is just one game. We won’t truly be able to evaluate him until the loan spell is over – if it does actually end in March. The confusion over his status smacks to me of him hedging his bets. If all goes well he will sign a permanent deal with the Rossoneri. Should he fail to make the impact that his hype suggests then expect him to be on the first plane back to the comfort zone of Los Angeles.
I’ve stated before my belief that Beckham is a square peg in a round hole at Milan. There is no place for him, and the position he did end up filling on Sunday – central midfield – is one that England, his true reason for joining the Diavolo, already have plenty of cover in with Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry. His inclusion meant that defensive midfielders like Massimo Ambrosini and Mathieu Flamini were left out, how soon until that costs Ancelotti?
My colleague Dave Taylor called Beckham a ‘player for today’, but come on – if ever there was someone who is yesterday’s man it is this guy. Alexandre Pato is a player for today, but his starring role was entirely eclipsed by a mediocre display from a limelight-hogging veteran. His plucking from MLS back to Europe’s big Leagues for one last shot at glory is like the script of a generic and clichéd Hollywood movie – if only this screenplay had been canned before it escaped La La Land.
David Beckham has finally graced Serie A. Well aren’t we honoured? Steve Wilson, for one, isn’t buying into the hype surrounding Milan’s new boy.
So it has begun. David Beckham plays almost a full 90 minutes for Milan against Roma. For the first time in living memory Sky Sports News acknowledges Serie A’s existence. First Carlo Ancelotti, then Adriano Galliani and finally Silvio Berlusconi rush to the nearest Press men to gush about how influential, serious and important a figure he is. If they say it enough times some people might actually start to believe it.
How insecure does the man have to be to require the constant reassurances of his ability? Or rather, how insecure about their signing must the Milan chiefs be if they have to keep reminding us how great he is and how it is such a coup for a humble little club like Milan to be able to have him in their side? Surely a true star would let their action on the pitch do the talking – but when your debut is as average as Beckham’s was that is a little hard.
Of course, it is just one game. We won’t truly be able to evaluate him until the loan spell is over – if it does actually end in March. The confusion over his status smacks to me of him hedging his bets. If all goes well he will sign a permanent deal with the Rossoneri. Should he fail to make the impact that his hype suggests then expect him to be on the first plane back to the comfort zone of Los Angeles.
I’ve stated before my belief that Beckham is a square peg in a round hole at Milan. There is no place for him, and the position he did end up filling on Sunday – central midfield – is one that England, his true reason for joining the Diavolo, already have plenty of cover in with Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Gareth Barry. His inclusion meant that defensive midfielders like Massimo Ambrosini and Mathieu Flamini were left out, how soon until that costs Ancelotti?
My colleague Dave Taylor called Beckham a ‘player for today’, but come on – if ever there was someone who is yesterday’s man it is this guy. Alexandre Pato is a player for today, but his starring role was entirely eclipsed by a mediocre display from a limelight-hogging veteran. His plucking from MLS back to Europe’s big Leagues for one last shot at glory is like the script of a generic and clichéd Hollywood movie – if only this screenplay had been canned before it escaped La La Land.
Couldn't agree with this more.
Hahaahaha so true " if only this screenplay had been canned before it escaped La La Land. " !!!!!
I only agree on that the England NT don't need another CMF. Other than that, I think he did well and he surely is an example to his teammates. A player for today? Yeah but not for tomorrow.
The thing is... Channel4's blog writers are ridiculous... this was just Beck's first game! I see no point in coming out praising or criticizing him after a single game.
This is not the first time, they always react like this. I remember at the start of the season when after some bad results they fell like vultures over Juventus' dead body and then when Juve made a good winning streak they were labeling them champions...
The thing is... Channel4's blog writers are ridiculous... this was just Beck's first game! I see no point in coming out praising or criticizing him after a single game.
This is not the first time, they always react like this. I remember at the start of the season when after some bad results they fell like vultures over Juventus' dead body and then when Juve made a good winning streak they were labeling them champions...
I think Becks will do well. I just don't want him to kick Flamini out of the team because Berlusconi wants Becks to play. Ancelotti should make up a new tactical system to solve this problem, say sub Seedorf for Becks (even though Clarence gets proper pi$$ed off when he gets subbed off) 
QUOTE (weeeow @ Jan 15 2009, 11:09 PM)
I think Becks will do well. I just don't want him to kick Flamini out of the team because Berlusconi wants Becks to play. Ancelotti should make up a new tactical system to solve this problem, say sub Seedorf for Becks (even though Clarence gets proper pi$$ed off when he gets subbed off)
I agree.
Both Flamini and Becks can get a chance, even if one comes as a substitute right on the 60 minutes mark. But all said and done, we're pretty messed up as it seems! Nothing seems to be working. One week at the top after 4 years, yup that's our 15 minutes of fame.
Well, bringing in players who have to be played because they're stars and who disrupt a midfield that, when functioning, is one of the best in world football...probably doesn't help much, acid.
Goal.com gave us some Beck's comment's about the Kaka departure:
Reading this, and considering a few other comments Beckham made since his Milan debut, I must say he does not have that negative influence. He is probably the last player on earth I'd liked to see here at Milan, but...
...against Roma and Fiorentina he was usefull. Especially after Ancelotti put Ambrosini with him in the midfield. He's motivated so far to show himself and that's what we need. His crosses gave us one additional strenght, but his attacking movement still isn't Milan-like so he disrupts some attacks, especially the typicall Milan attacks alla Pirlo or Kaka. But we'll see.
QUOTE
"I don't think it was Kaka's last game," the 33-year-old midfielder said in The Daily Mail.
"I think there's always going to be speculation around him, there's always going to be speculation around big players at big clubs and they don't come much bigger than Ricardo (Kaka). But he's very happy here.
"Without doubt he should stay. AC Milan are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's not always about money. There is not one player in that dressing room that cares about money before football. I hope he stays."
"I think there's always going to be speculation around him, there's always going to be speculation around big players at big clubs and they don't come much bigger than Ricardo (Kaka). But he's very happy here.
"Without doubt he should stay. AC Milan are one of the biggest clubs in the world. It's not always about money. There is not one player in that dressing room that cares about money before football. I hope he stays."
Reading this, and considering a few other comments Beckham made since his Milan debut, I must say he does not have that negative influence. He is probably the last player on earth I'd liked to see here at Milan, but...
...against Roma and Fiorentina he was usefull. Especially after Ancelotti put Ambrosini with him in the midfield. He's motivated so far to show himself and that's what we need. His crosses gave us one additional strenght, but his attacking movement still isn't Milan-like so he disrupts some attacks, especially the typicall Milan attacks alla Pirlo or Kaka. But we'll see.
QUOTE (Fillipo Simone @ Jan 18 2009, 10:18 AM)
Goal.com gave us some Beck's comment's about the Kaka departure:
Reading this, and considering a few other comments Beckham made since his Milan debut, I must say he does not have that negative influence. He is probably the last player on earth I'd liked to see here at Milan, but...
...against Roma and Fiorentina he was usefull. Especially after Ancelotti put Ambrosini with him in the midfield. He's motivated so far to show himself and that's what we need. His crosses gave us one additional strenght, but his attacking movement still isn't Milan-like so he disrupts some attacks, especially the typicall Milan attacks alla Pirlo or Kaka. But we'll see.
Reading this, and considering a few other comments Beckham made since his Milan debut, I must say he does not have that negative influence. He is probably the last player on earth I'd liked to see here at Milan, but...
...against Roma and Fiorentina he was usefull. Especially after Ancelotti put Ambrosini with him in the midfield. He's motivated so far to show himself and that's what we need. His crosses gave us one additional strenght, but his attacking movement still isn't Milan-like so he disrupts some attacks, especially the typicall Milan attacks alla Pirlo or Kaka. But we'll see.
i would put myself in the category amidst the rest of the Beckham skeptics. but, i must agree fillipo. I'll give him credit where its due. Becks has proven to be a humble, quiet, stabilizing presence in our team. Everyone on the team has raved about him. Even his performances are consistent and for the most part error free. Kudos to becks.
To be fair i think he'll be useful in the parts to come where we dont have a creative mid. Right now his crossing needs a little tuning and we need boriello back but at least we know now that if someone gets injured or suspended we wont be running 3 dmf.
To me, he has great work ethics and has good passing. Other than that, he is a liability to the team defensively and lacks the physicality to make well-timed challenges and doesn't have the stamina and agility to track back on counters. He sure does try and I am happy for him on a personal level. But he is no Maldini, no matter how badly he wants to believe so.
We already have Pirlo on the field who is a defensive liability right in front of the defense. With Beckham, we are even more vulnerable. One of them needs to sit these games out. I would bench Pirlo to make him a bit angry and hopefully motivated.
We already have Pirlo on the field who is a defensive liability right in front of the defense. With Beckham, we are even more vulnerable. One of them needs to sit these games out. I would bench Pirlo to make him a bit angry and hopefully motivated.
QUOTE (vnata001 @ Jan 18 2009, 11:29 PM)
i would put myself in the category amidst the rest of the Beckham skeptics. but, i must agree fillipo. I'll give him credit where its due. Becks has proven to be a humble, quiet, stabilizing presence in our team. Everyone on the team has raved about him. Even his performances are consistent and for the most part error free. Kudos to becks.
Well he was a down-to-earth type of guy, always has been.
Don't tell me you didn't know. Whatever he does in his spare time is his own matter, but he, even Ronaldo and Ronaldinho have always been quiet and humble beings. No problems of any sorts in the dressing rooms.
Was this opinion of yours before or after the Beckham Armani undie ads. I'm guessing after. 
You little devil..you've got a crush!! 
You little devil..you've got a crush!!
QUOTE (Zed.D @ Jan 13 2009, 10:37 AM)
Couldn't agree with this more.
Same here. You should see the sports section in my local paper over the past two weeks: "Beckham makes Milan debut." "Beckham makes home debut for AC Milan."
Sheesh. I think the Hollies said it best: "Stop! Stop! Stop!"
QUOTE (Channel 4)
Milan want Beck for good
Milan's lawyer has discussed the possibility of signing David Beckham on a permanent basis when his loan deal expires.
Milan's lawyer has discussed the possibility of signing David Beckham on a permanent basis when his loan deal expires.
God, I think I'll shoot myself if that happens. Meanwhile, I love how Carlo's acting as if he's found the Hope Diamond.
QUOTE (MizNelson @ Jan 26 2009, 09:48 AM)
God, I think I'll shoot myself if that happens. Meanwhile, I love how Carlo's acting as if he's found the Hope Diamond.
Once Beckham makes it to the England NT and we sign him permanently, he will become another old, unmotivated player on our hands.
QUOTE (KillerMax @ Jan 26 2009, 08:56 PM)
Once Beckham makes it to the England NT and we sign him permanently, he will become another old, unmotivated player on our hands.
You took the words right out of my mouth there
Well he is in his early 30's .. Yet he has slowely but surely proved to everyone his professionalism. If Milan was to extend his stay, it would probably be till 2011 - give or take. And if what is being said by both the players and the coach is correct, about his training ethics and professionalism on and off the pitch, then there is very little to counter that with.
I don't think its fair to say he would drop form right when he signs the contract .. He wants to play for England in 2010 at the WC, plus be a regular in the qualifiers .. So, there is a long way to go .. And Milan will always welcome such professionals
One thing to highlight; he has been very dedicated to the football aspect of Milan, something of which I am very surprised at.
I don't think its fair to say he would drop form right when he signs the contract .. He wants to play for England in 2010 at the WC, plus be a regular in the qualifiers .. So, there is a long way to go .. And Milan will always welcome such professionals
One thing to highlight; he has been very dedicated to the football aspect of Milan, something of which I am very surprised at.
Long as the Cult of Personality, the English Tabloid Media and the Scary Wife stay far, far away from Italy, I am not quite so negative in my opinion.
Still don't particularly like the player but he hasn't cost Milan points and it was a nicely taken goal on Sunday.
Still would prefer he said thanks for the fun in March and returned to LA.
Still don't particularly like the player but he hasn't cost Milan points and it was a nicely taken goal on Sunday.
Still would prefer he said thanks for the fun in March and returned to LA.
QUOTE (Rossoneri7 @ Jan 26 2009, 11:48 PM)
One thing to highlight; he has been very dedicated to the football aspect of Milan, something of which I am very surprised at.
I'm not surprised one bit.
I always knew of him as a very dedicated person/athlete. And besides, he's doing nothing out of the ordinary - this high intensity work-rate is the usual flavor from Beckham. Like him or hate him, no one can deny he's a hard worker that made the most of his limited talents.
QUOTE (KillerMax @ Jan 26 2009, 05:26 PM)
Once Beckham makes it to the England NT and we sign him permanently, he will become another old, unmotivated player on our hands.
Tottaly agree!
It's pitty for me that Flamini plays so little. When Rinho recovers and we'll have Becks there will be no space for Flamini.
I like Beckham's quality, individual skills, his attitude to work, but Flamini only 24.....we should build our squad with him...not with Becks.
Flamini has underwhelmed for the most part. Remember the Reggina game.
QUOTE (acid911 @ Jan 26 2009, 07:42 PM)
I'm not surprised one bit. I always knew of him as a very dedicated person/athlete. And besides, he's doing nothing out of the ordinary - this high intensity work-rate is the usual flavor from Beckham. Like him or hate him, no one can deny he's a hard worker that made the most of his limited talents.
I always knew of him as a very dedicated person/athlete. And besides, he's doing nothing out of the ordinary - this high intensity work-rate is the usual flavor from Beckham. Like him or hate him, no one can deny he's a hard worker that made the most of his limited talents.Took the words right out of my mouth
QUOTE (acid911 @ Jan 27 2009, 02:12 AM)
I'm not surprised one bit. I always knew of him as a very dedicated person/athlete. And besides, he's doing nothing out of the ordinary - this high intensity work-rate is the usual flavor from Beckham. Like him or hate him, no one can deny he's a hard worker that made the most of his limited talents.
I always knew of him as a very dedicated person/athlete. And besides, he's doing nothing out of the ordinary - this high intensity work-rate is the usual flavor from Beckham. Like him or hate him, no one can deny he's a hard worker that made the most of his limited talents.+1
QUOTE (Zed.D @ Jan 27 2009, 01:07 AM)
You took the words right out of my mouth there
...must have been when he was kissing you.
QUOTE (I_Rossoneri @ Jan 27 2009, 06:24 AM)
Took the words right out of my mouth
See above!
P.S: Sorry..sorry..but I do love that Meatloaf song.
Just seen this on the BBC sport gossip page:
Sure to cheer all the Beckham haters up
QUOTE
David Beckham is unlikely to be allowed to remain at AC Milan after his three-month loan agreement with the Italian side expires in March, according to Los Angeles Galaxy coach and general manager Bruce Arena. (Bloomberg 0950 GMT)
Sure to cheer all the Beckham haters up
I don't think he will remain this season. But I believe there is an option in his contract which will allow him to leave for free or something next season, some kind of get-out clause (I read it somewhere, might be false). It's also why Galliani and co. keep saying 'It's up to him!'. So we could have him back if he wanted to. If wifey is done playing Hollywood.
QUOTE (Jack Sparrow @ Jan 27 2009, 10:10 AM)
I don't think he will remain this season. But I believe there is an option in his contract which will allow him to leave for free or something next season, some kind of get-out clause (I read it somewhere, might be false). It's also why Galliani and co. keep saying 'It's up to him!'. So we could have him back if he wanted to. If wifey is done playing Hollywood.
From what I have heard, Galaxy don't want to keep paying his massive wages and feel he hasn't got them to the level they thought he would. They were expecting to be near to or at the top of the table but ended up close to the bottom. If that is true then it would be up to Becks to give up his contract and then perhaps a nominal fee could be agreed between us and Galaxy? I would like him to sign as I feel he has done well since he's been here.
Anyone else seen this?
Heheh...class that one! But if I'm not wrong, it's adidas who's doing the bulk of the paying. I would think all this means is adidas is cool with Becks coming to Milan, since it's another adidas team.
Bruce Arena didn't want him or Donovan going on loan in the first place. He was prety angry about it at the time. He's also a bit of a windbag.
There's a rather nice interview with #32 in today's Corriere della Sera (this is a regular news daily based in Milan. Pretty good paper). It's quite long. Will try to translate after work if people are interested.
In the meantime, here's the text of the article for those who read Italian.
In the meantime, here's the text of the article for those who read Italian.
QUOTE
MILANO — Sorpresa. Per la sua prima intervista one to one (un tempo si chiamavano esclusive) ad un giornale italiano David Beckham sceglie di giocare d'anticipo, presentandosi all'appuntamento un quarto d'ora prima dell'orario convenuto. Il sorriso è quello di ordinanza, cioè timido ma solare. E l'umorismo è tipicamente british. Una bella faccia da Milan.
David, il suo inserimento in una realtà come quella rossonera è stato sorprendente. Ce ne spiega il segreto?
«Sono sorpreso anch'io. A volte servono settimane, se non addirittura mesi, per capire come gioca o si allena una squadra. Devo dire che un po' tutti si sono dati da fare per mettermi a mio agio, sono stato accolto davvero bene».
A suo giudizio che cos'ha il Milan di veramente speciale?
«Trovo sia molto simile al Manchester United. Ha quella tradizione che soltanto i grandi club posseggono. Al Milan, come allo United, si respira un'atmosfera particolare ovunque: al campo d'allenamento, allo stadio. E poi il Milan ha quella sala dei trofei... Questo ti fa sentire speciale».
Adesso si tratta di comprendere quello che sarà il suo futuro. Tornerà a Los Angeles o rimarrà in Italia?
«Giocare qui è il sogno di ogni calciatore. Però decidere non è facile: è un affare che richiede tempo».
Ma il suo desiderio qual è?
«Io sono sotto contratto e ho molto rispetto nei confronti del Galaxy. Però la possibilità di giocare nel Milan è qualcosa di speciale... Sapevo di divertirmi ma non mi aspettavo di divertirmi così. Comunque caratterialmente sono una persona molto rispettosa».
Se alla fine decidesse di tornare a Los Angeles, con quale animo si ritufferebbe nel calcio finto degli Usa?
«In verità gli americani stanno facendo di tutto per migliorare il livello e la reputazione del loro calcio. Quello Usa è un campionato giovane: credo ci voglia ancora una decina d'anni per raggiungere traguardi importanti».
E per lei tutto questo non conta?
«Devo ammettere che, avendo giocato in Europa, a volte è stato frustrante prendere parte a certe partite. Però ogni tanto, spostandomi da uno stato all'altro, mi sono anche divertito».
Dopo tre partite a tempo pieno, che idea s'è fatto del nostro calcio, tatticamente parlando?
«Ho capito che per giocare qui devi essere bravo tecnicamente e in squadre come il Milan lo devi essere ancora di più. Che poi il vostro campionato fosse tatticamente very strong, molto duro, lo sapevo già. Molte cose me le ha insegnate Fabio Capello che mi ha allenato al Real Madrid. Da lui ho imparato l'organizzazione e la disciplina. Adesso Capello sta esportando tutto questo nella nazionale inglese».
Fabio Capello, un duro per davvero.
«Ma i grandi allenatori sono così. Hanno il carisma. Come Ferguson».
Ferguson però le tirò una scarpa in faccia. Carisma eccessivo.
(ride) «Quello fu un incidente... Negli spogliatoi certe cose possono succedere».
Chi sono stati i primi ad essere informati del suo gol a Bologna?
«Mia moglie. E i miei amici. Ho rivisto quel gol parecchie volte: così sorridente mi sembrava di essere più giovane di 15 anni. Mi sono sorpreso di scoprirmi felice in quel modo, mi ha sorpreso la mia faccia. Di solito io sono il primo ad esultare quando segnano gli altri».
Che cosa sta facendo per migliorare il suo inserimento nel gruppo ma anche per avere un minimo di vita sociale?
«Parlo italiano un'ora tutto i giorni (testuale). E poi sono stato a cena con qualche compagno di squadra.
Quale compagno?
«Paolo (Maldini). Per me è una persona eccezionale. Mi ha aiutato dentro e fuori dal campo. Comunque ho buoni rapporti con tutti, non soltanto con quelli che parlano inglese».
Quindi lei ha buoni rapporti anche con Gattuso.
«Si, anche con Gattuso. È incredibile come stia lavorando per recuperare dall'infortunio. È sempre a Milanello».
Rino è veramente pazzo per il calcio.
«Ogni squadra ha bisogno di uno come lui. Nello spogliatoio serve gente di personalità».
Quando Italia e Inghilterra si affrontarono in amichevole a Torino nel novembre del 2001, lei ad un certo punto cadde in area e Gattuso le disse a brutto muso: «This is not a swimming pool», questa non è una piscina.
(altro sorriso) «L'abbiamo ricordato insieme... Rino è un giocatore che quando lo affronti da avversario non è che ti piaccia tanto. È anche fastidioso. Ti sta addosso, non ti molla mai. Comunque quella partita la ricorderò per sempre, e non soltanto per lo scontro con Gattuso: era la mia prima da capitano dell'Inghilterra».
David, dei suoi nuovi compagni qual è quello che riesce a farla più ridere?
«Gattuso, sempre lui. Ogni giorno ne ha una per Pato, parla sempre».
E quanto a scherzi come siamo messi? Ne fanno anche a lei?
«Proprio stamattina (ieri) abbiamo visto una foto sul giornale in cui, dopo il mio gol, Seedorf è venuto a farmi una cosa qui, sul sedere. Di questo si è riso e si è scherzato. Non è molto serio lo spogliatoio. Sinceramente non mi ero accorto che mi avesse toccato però sarei felice se Clarence lo rifacesse dopo un altro mio gol. Anzi, è autorizzato a farlo».
Visti da vicino, quali sono i compagni che l'hanno maggiormente sorpresa?
«Pirlo. Lo avevo sempre ammirato da lontano. È così talentuoso. E' davvero un giocatore speciale. E poi Riccardo (Kaká) e Pato. Tra qualche anno Pato diventerà uno dei migliori calciatori al mondo. È così giovane, l'importante è non mettergli pressione addosso. E poi c'è Ronaldinho: ci avevo giocato contro ai tempi di Real Madrid-Barcellona ma giocarci assieme è un'altra storia. L'unico però con cui desideravo veramente giocare, per tutto quello che rappresenta, era Paolo».
La prima volta nello spogliatoio del Milan si è per caso sentito gli occhi addosso?
«Ero molto nervoso, come al primo giorno di scuola. Però la prima vera emozione l'ho provata quando sono venuto qui a Milanello, a dicembre, per la nuova divisa. Mia moglie era seduta di fronte a me e quando ho indossato la giacca e ho visto che aveva il marchio del Milan continuavo ad aggiustarmela, guardando quel marchio quasi in estasi».
E la sua vita a Milano come si svolge?
«Soprattutto in albergo. La maggior parte del tempo la trascorro a Milanello, qui lavoriamo molto... L'unica cosa mi manca la mia famiglia (ancora testuale in italiano). Vivo in un ambiente molto riservato. So che la gente si aspettava che io frequentassi gli ambienti mondani perché questo è quello che la gente pensa di me. Mi sono presentato alla sfilata di Armani ma quella è stata la seconda volta in 15 anni».
Do you know cotoletta?
«Cotoletta? Non conosco. Però amo la cucina italiana, è la migliore. Quando Victoria era incinta del nostro primo figlio abbiamo trascorso qualche giorno in Italia e al ristorante ci siamo fatti scorpacciate di pasta».
Ci fa l'identikit di Carlo Ancelotti, il suo nuovo allenatore?
«Ha un'aura carismatica. Quando entra nello spogliatoio si capisce che sta accadendo qualcosa di speciale».
Lei ha una moglie molto famosa. Dica la verità: chi è più popolare tra lei e Victoria?
«Mia moglie è molto più popolare di me».
Chi comanda a casa vostra?
«I nostri figli».
Sotto la doccia lei per caso canticchia vecchi successi delle Spice Girls?
«Of course».
In particolare?
«‘‘Mama''».
Quali sono i suoi gusti musicali?
«Prima di una partita ascolto Marc Anthony oppure hip-hop. Ma anche salsa. Però non ballo».
Perché non sa ballare?
«No. Ballo bene ma non lo faccio spesso».
Ha qualche preferenza tra i cantanti italiani?
«Mi piace la musica di... Quello che sembra canti l'opera».
Andrea Bocelli.
«Esatto. Ho dei suoi cd. Trovo eccezionale la sua musica».
Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Armani, Dolce e Gabbana. Ma lei ha qualche amico tra la gente comune?
«Ho tre amici che conosco da 16 anni. Due di loro vivono a Londra. Sono venuti a vedermi nella partita contro la Fiorentina».
David Beckham, ha già deciso che cosa farà da grande?
«Credo che non crescerò mai. I miei figli mi aiutano a tenermi giovane, anche se ai figli devi dimostrare di sapere crescere. Quando smetto mi godrò la famiglia e mi occuperò delle mie scuole di calcio: ne ho in Inghilterra, negli Usa e in Brasile. Amo anche il mondo della solidarietà e sono ambasciatore Unicef. Ecco, queste sono le cose che mi piace di più fare e che certamente farò ».
David, il suo inserimento in una realtà come quella rossonera è stato sorprendente. Ce ne spiega il segreto?
«Sono sorpreso anch'io. A volte servono settimane, se non addirittura mesi, per capire come gioca o si allena una squadra. Devo dire che un po' tutti si sono dati da fare per mettermi a mio agio, sono stato accolto davvero bene».
A suo giudizio che cos'ha il Milan di veramente speciale?
«Trovo sia molto simile al Manchester United. Ha quella tradizione che soltanto i grandi club posseggono. Al Milan, come allo United, si respira un'atmosfera particolare ovunque: al campo d'allenamento, allo stadio. E poi il Milan ha quella sala dei trofei... Questo ti fa sentire speciale».
Adesso si tratta di comprendere quello che sarà il suo futuro. Tornerà a Los Angeles o rimarrà in Italia?
«Giocare qui è il sogno di ogni calciatore. Però decidere non è facile: è un affare che richiede tempo».
Ma il suo desiderio qual è?
«Io sono sotto contratto e ho molto rispetto nei confronti del Galaxy. Però la possibilità di giocare nel Milan è qualcosa di speciale... Sapevo di divertirmi ma non mi aspettavo di divertirmi così. Comunque caratterialmente sono una persona molto rispettosa».
Se alla fine decidesse di tornare a Los Angeles, con quale animo si ritufferebbe nel calcio finto degli Usa?
«In verità gli americani stanno facendo di tutto per migliorare il livello e la reputazione del loro calcio. Quello Usa è un campionato giovane: credo ci voglia ancora una decina d'anni per raggiungere traguardi importanti».
E per lei tutto questo non conta?
«Devo ammettere che, avendo giocato in Europa, a volte è stato frustrante prendere parte a certe partite. Però ogni tanto, spostandomi da uno stato all'altro, mi sono anche divertito».
Dopo tre partite a tempo pieno, che idea s'è fatto del nostro calcio, tatticamente parlando?
«Ho capito che per giocare qui devi essere bravo tecnicamente e in squadre come il Milan lo devi essere ancora di più. Che poi il vostro campionato fosse tatticamente very strong, molto duro, lo sapevo già. Molte cose me le ha insegnate Fabio Capello che mi ha allenato al Real Madrid. Da lui ho imparato l'organizzazione e la disciplina. Adesso Capello sta esportando tutto questo nella nazionale inglese».
Fabio Capello, un duro per davvero.
«Ma i grandi allenatori sono così. Hanno il carisma. Come Ferguson».
Ferguson però le tirò una scarpa in faccia. Carisma eccessivo.
(ride) «Quello fu un incidente... Negli spogliatoi certe cose possono succedere».
Chi sono stati i primi ad essere informati del suo gol a Bologna?
«Mia moglie. E i miei amici. Ho rivisto quel gol parecchie volte: così sorridente mi sembrava di essere più giovane di 15 anni. Mi sono sorpreso di scoprirmi felice in quel modo, mi ha sorpreso la mia faccia. Di solito io sono il primo ad esultare quando segnano gli altri».
Che cosa sta facendo per migliorare il suo inserimento nel gruppo ma anche per avere un minimo di vita sociale?
«Parlo italiano un'ora tutto i giorni (testuale). E poi sono stato a cena con qualche compagno di squadra.
Quale compagno?
«Paolo (Maldini). Per me è una persona eccezionale. Mi ha aiutato dentro e fuori dal campo. Comunque ho buoni rapporti con tutti, non soltanto con quelli che parlano inglese».
Quindi lei ha buoni rapporti anche con Gattuso.
«Si, anche con Gattuso. È incredibile come stia lavorando per recuperare dall'infortunio. È sempre a Milanello».
Rino è veramente pazzo per il calcio.
«Ogni squadra ha bisogno di uno come lui. Nello spogliatoio serve gente di personalità».
Quando Italia e Inghilterra si affrontarono in amichevole a Torino nel novembre del 2001, lei ad un certo punto cadde in area e Gattuso le disse a brutto muso: «This is not a swimming pool», questa non è una piscina.
(altro sorriso) «L'abbiamo ricordato insieme... Rino è un giocatore che quando lo affronti da avversario non è che ti piaccia tanto. È anche fastidioso. Ti sta addosso, non ti molla mai. Comunque quella partita la ricorderò per sempre, e non soltanto per lo scontro con Gattuso: era la mia prima da capitano dell'Inghilterra».
David, dei suoi nuovi compagni qual è quello che riesce a farla più ridere?
«Gattuso, sempre lui. Ogni giorno ne ha una per Pato, parla sempre».
E quanto a scherzi come siamo messi? Ne fanno anche a lei?
«Proprio stamattina (ieri) abbiamo visto una foto sul giornale in cui, dopo il mio gol, Seedorf è venuto a farmi una cosa qui, sul sedere. Di questo si è riso e si è scherzato. Non è molto serio lo spogliatoio. Sinceramente non mi ero accorto che mi avesse toccato però sarei felice se Clarence lo rifacesse dopo un altro mio gol. Anzi, è autorizzato a farlo».
Visti da vicino, quali sono i compagni che l'hanno maggiormente sorpresa?
«Pirlo. Lo avevo sempre ammirato da lontano. È così talentuoso. E' davvero un giocatore speciale. E poi Riccardo (Kaká) e Pato. Tra qualche anno Pato diventerà uno dei migliori calciatori al mondo. È così giovane, l'importante è non mettergli pressione addosso. E poi c'è Ronaldinho: ci avevo giocato contro ai tempi di Real Madrid-Barcellona ma giocarci assieme è un'altra storia. L'unico però con cui desideravo veramente giocare, per tutto quello che rappresenta, era Paolo».
La prima volta nello spogliatoio del Milan si è per caso sentito gli occhi addosso?
«Ero molto nervoso, come al primo giorno di scuola. Però la prima vera emozione l'ho provata quando sono venuto qui a Milanello, a dicembre, per la nuova divisa. Mia moglie era seduta di fronte a me e quando ho indossato la giacca e ho visto che aveva il marchio del Milan continuavo ad aggiustarmela, guardando quel marchio quasi in estasi».
E la sua vita a Milano come si svolge?
«Soprattutto in albergo. La maggior parte del tempo la trascorro a Milanello, qui lavoriamo molto... L'unica cosa mi manca la mia famiglia (ancora testuale in italiano). Vivo in un ambiente molto riservato. So che la gente si aspettava che io frequentassi gli ambienti mondani perché questo è quello che la gente pensa di me. Mi sono presentato alla sfilata di Armani ma quella è stata la seconda volta in 15 anni».
Do you know cotoletta?
«Cotoletta? Non conosco. Però amo la cucina italiana, è la migliore. Quando Victoria era incinta del nostro primo figlio abbiamo trascorso qualche giorno in Italia e al ristorante ci siamo fatti scorpacciate di pasta».
Ci fa l'identikit di Carlo Ancelotti, il suo nuovo allenatore?
«Ha un'aura carismatica. Quando entra nello spogliatoio si capisce che sta accadendo qualcosa di speciale».
Lei ha una moglie molto famosa. Dica la verità: chi è più popolare tra lei e Victoria?
«Mia moglie è molto più popolare di me».
Chi comanda a casa vostra?
«I nostri figli».
Sotto la doccia lei per caso canticchia vecchi successi delle Spice Girls?
«Of course».
In particolare?
«‘‘Mama''».
Quali sono i suoi gusti musicali?
«Prima di una partita ascolto Marc Anthony oppure hip-hop. Ma anche salsa. Però non ballo».
Perché non sa ballare?
«No. Ballo bene ma non lo faccio spesso».
Ha qualche preferenza tra i cantanti italiani?
«Mi piace la musica di... Quello che sembra canti l'opera».
Andrea Bocelli.
«Esatto. Ho dei suoi cd. Trovo eccezionale la sua musica».
Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Armani, Dolce e Gabbana. Ma lei ha qualche amico tra la gente comune?
«Ho tre amici che conosco da 16 anni. Due di loro vivono a Londra. Sono venuti a vedermi nella partita contro la Fiorentina».
David Beckham, ha già deciso che cosa farà da grande?
«Credo che non crescerò mai. I miei figli mi aiutano a tenermi giovane, anche se ai figli devi dimostrare di sapere crescere. Quando smetto mi godrò la famiglia e mi occuperò delle mie scuole di calcio: ne ho in Inghilterra, negli Usa e in Brasile. Amo anche il mondo della solidarietà e sono ambasciatore Unicef. Ecco, queste sono le cose che mi piace di più fare e che certamente farò ».
Becks was just fantasic! Now I hope he stays with us. It was so far far ago when we had such good RAM.
Forza David!
Forza David!
Great read, Tennie. Always nice to read such interviews from key Milan players!
Always nice to read such interviews from key Milan players!
Thought it was a great image.
I love it when we wear black shorts!
QUOTE (Zed.D @ Feb 5 2009, 03:36 AM)
I love it when we wear black shorts!
Excellent and surreal image.
And yes, we should always wear black shorts for our home kits, just like in the old days. The white doesn't look quite as good, neither to me, nor my brother.
QUOTE (acid911 @ Feb 5 2009, 03:17 AM)
Excellent and surreal image. And yes, we should always wear black shorts for our home kits, just like in the old days. The white doesn't look quite as good, neither to me, nor my brother.
And yes, we should always wear black shorts for our home kits, just like in the old days. The white doesn't look quite as good, neither to me, nor my brother.We're I rossoneri for a reason! whoever decided we should wear white shorts, I have to say, has bad taste...
QUOTE (Zed.D @ Feb 5 2009, 03:55 AM)
whoever decided we should wear white shorts, I have to say, has bad taste...
I have my suspicions on Seedorf, but it is too soon to tell.
I like white shorts too. Maybe it's cost cutting. So we save on having to buy black shorts, since the white ones go with the home and away uniforms.
QUOTE (Arena)
"Whatever happens happens," Arena told the club's official website.
"Whichever the outcome of the deal, it will be for the good of the club. This is a deal and we are waiting to see exactly what happens, which is the same as what we usually do with any other Galaxy deal.
"Of course, we will always put the needs of the club and team first.
"I just hope that all the news about Beckham does not create any distractions or complications for my players during our preparations."
"Whichever the outcome of the deal, it will be for the good of the club. This is a deal and we are waiting to see exactly what happens, which is the same as what we usually do with any other Galaxy deal.
"Of course, we will always put the needs of the club and team first.
"I just hope that all the news about Beckham does not create any distractions or complications for my players during our preparations."
QUOTE (Becks)
"At the moment Milan are more important to me than the money,” Beckham told Il Corriere Dello Sport. “I want to think about football first and about my career.
"It's important for me to be allowed to stay at Milan permanently so I can have the chance to play regularly and to be part of England's World Cup 2010 squad.
"I haven't spoken to the Galaxy yet, but someone is doing this on my behalf. I am really hoping that a deal can be reached."
"I had a feeling I would do well, but I didn't expect to have so much fun,” added the Englishman. “The approach during training and the atmosphere are the best I have ever experienced in my entire football career.
"[Carlo] Ancelotti is an important coach and, when you enter the dressing room, you begin to feel the great atmosphere.
"[Paolo] Maldini has also helped me settle down. He has charisma and personality and he is a great friend."
"It's important for me to be allowed to stay at Milan permanently so I can have the chance to play regularly and to be part of England's World Cup 2010 squad.
"I haven't spoken to the Galaxy yet, but someone is doing this on my behalf. I am really hoping that a deal can be reached."
"I had a feeling I would do well, but I didn't expect to have so much fun,” added the Englishman. “The approach during training and the atmosphere are the best I have ever experienced in my entire football career.
"[Carlo] Ancelotti is an important coach and, when you enter the dressing room, you begin to feel the great atmosphere.
"[Paolo] Maldini has also helped me settle down. He has charisma and personality and he is a great friend."
from goal.com. The titles on both articles are ridiculous. 1 2
I hope they do reach an agreement; Becks has given Milan a more dynamic midfield and regardless of his age, the wealth of experience that he adds is enough 
Here's what Zvone Boban said about David Beckham at Milan today:
(note, I translated it from Croatian in a hurry, if someone wants the original text PM me)
(note, I translated it from Croatian in a hurry, if someone wants the original text PM me)
QUOTE
Beckham is an exceptional professional, on or off the pitch. However, even if I can agree that he showed he’s much better then expected, he hasn’t changed or improved Milan’s gameplay. The team leader, from a tactical viewpoint, undoubtedly stays Andra Pirlo, while the key player, the man that makes the difference, still is Kaka.
Beckham is a great player, but not world class: his one on one is week, he has no left foot, he’s not able to play a first-touch on short space…Truth is, he makes great crosses, but crosses and long passes aren’t what’s football about.
Gattuso’s momentarily injured. If not, I’d ask you where to put Beckham? If I were the coach, I’d pick Gattuso over Beck’s at any time for the right side.
Beckham is a great player, but not world class: his one on one is week, he has no left foot, he’s not able to play a first-touch on short space…Truth is, he makes great crosses, but crosses and long passes aren’t what’s football about.
Gattuso’s momentarily injured. If not, I’d ask you where to put Beckham? If I were the coach, I’d pick Gattuso over Beck’s at any time for the right side.
"If I were the coach, I’d pick Gattuso over Beck’s at any time for the right side."
Well, you aren't the coach. On the basis of that comment, it's not hard to see why.
"Truth is, he makes great crosses, but crosses and long passes aren’t what’s football about."
So what is football about? Passing, doing fancy tricks with the ball, being able to pass the ball around quickly because it (supposedly) looks good? Based on what you're saying, it seems that you only care what a player offers as long as it's "what football is about", which is ultimately scoring goals. What a very unusual take on things.
Well, you aren't the coach. On the basis of that comment, it's not hard to see why.
"Truth is, he makes great crosses, but crosses and long passes aren’t what’s football about."
So what is football about? Passing, doing fancy tricks with the ball, being able to pass the ball around quickly because it (supposedly) looks good? Based on what you're saying, it seems that you only care what a player offers as long as it's "what football is about", which is ultimately scoring goals. What a very unusual take on things.
I'd pick Gattuso too.
EDIT: Kurt, he's quoting what Zvonimir Boban said about Beckham, not what he himself thinks. For what it's worth, I'm in general agreement with Boban's comments. I do think that Beckham has added more to Milan's play than I certainly expected but if it came to him or Rino on the pitch? Rino every day of the week. He's the soul of the team to me.
EDIT: Kurt, he's quoting what Zvonimir Boban said about Beckham, not what he himself thinks. For what it's worth, I'm in general agreement with Boban's comments. I do think that Beckham has added more to Milan's play than I certainly expected but if it came to him or Rino on the pitch? Rino every day of the week. He's the soul of the team to me.
I agree with you Tennie
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