Soccerlens.com

David Beckham: “I Want to Give a Hand to Milan.”

Air Beckham landed yesterday in Milan.

The move has been criticised by some who see it as a ‘glamour’ signing for Milan and a ‘fashion capital’ move for the Beckhams, but Beckham has always had his critics on and off the pitch, it’s the price that comes with being the most famous footballer on the planet despite not being anywhere near the most skilled or most decorated of footballers.

With due respect to his teammates, the spotlight will be squarely on David Beckham for the duration of his stay at Milan. he was presented to the public during a press conference with AC Milan VP Adriano Galliani at his side, here are a few quotes:

“Se poi Beckham volesse tornare o rimanere sa che il Milan è a sua disposizione”. Adriano Galliani, VP of AC Milan.

“Buonasera, è quello che conosco d’italiano” dice. “Grazie di cuore. Amo ‘la’ Italia sono felice”. “Forse è meglio passare all’inglese”. “Si, sono davvero felice di essere qui a Milano. E’ un onore per me. Questo è un momento fortunato della mia carriera. E’ un piacere, io con il club più titolato al mondo. Sono sicuro che lavorerò duro ma mi divertirò”.

David non è pentito di essere andato negli Usa. “E’ stata una decisione importante, un passo della mia carriera. Qualcuno mi ha criticato, ma per me è stata una scelta giusta, una sfida. Mi piace giocare in diverse parti del mondo. E questa è un’altra opportunità che ho colto al volo”.

“Voglio dare una mano al Milan. Cercherò di essere il miglior professionista possibile. Voglio aiutare la squadra e fare il mio lavoro con Kakà, Maldini e Ronaldinho, persone di grande livello che ho sempre ammirato. Devo entrare nella pelle della squadra, conoscerla: farne parte”.

David ha superato le visite mediche senza problemi; condizioni fisiche perfette, medici sbalorditi. E’ lui il primo a sottolinearlo. Poi parla di Fabio Capello: “Lo rispetto; quando ho deciso di fare questa mossa gli ho chiesto un parere. Lui mi ha consigliato una squadra forte, ad alto livello. Ed eccomi qui nel club dove tutto è storia. So bene che Capello per convocarmi ha bisogno di vedermi giocare. E’ giusto, è il dovere di un manager e io sono venuto qui per questo, per dare il meglio”.

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 20 December 2008.

“If Beckham wants to return or remain he knows that Milan is at his disposal.” Adriano Galliani, VP of AC Milan.

“Good evening is all that I know in Italian”, he said. “Thank you from the heart. I love Italy and am happy. Perhaps it is better to switch to English. I am truly happy to be here in Milan. It’s an honor for me. This is a fortunate moment in my career. It is a pleasure, me with the club with the most silverware in the world. I am certain that I will work hard but it will be entertaining.”

David is content with his move to the MLS.

“It has been an important decision, a step in my career. Some have criticized me, but for me it has been the right choice, a challenge. I like to play in different parts of the world. And this is another opportunity that I took on the volley.”

“I want to give a hand to Milan. I will look to be the most professional as possible. I want to help the team and work with Kakà, Maldini, and Ronaldinho, persons at a great level that I have always admired. I need to enter into the skin of the team, to become acquainted, to become part of it.”

David passed the medicals without any problems. Perfect physical condition, doctors were in awe, and he was the first to underline it. Then he spoke of Fabio Capello.

“I respect him: when I decided to make this move, I asked for his advice. He advised me that it was a strong team at a high level. And here I am at a club where everything is history. I know very well that in order for Capello to select me he has to see me playing. It is proper, it is the right of the manager and I came here for this reason, to give my best.”

Italian translation by Steve Amoia.

Steve Amoia writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio, Football Media, Keeper Skool, and Soccerlens.

Topics: AC Milan, David Beckham, Fabio Capello, Features, Serie A