MILAN, Italy (AP)—David Beckham is enjoying his stay with AC Milan so much that he is considering remaining in Italy after his two-month loan expires.
“Playing here is the dream of every footballer,” Beckham said in an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera on Wednesday. “But deciding isn’t easy. It’s a question that takes time.”
Beckham’s loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy expires March 8, after which he is due to return to Major League Soccer.
“I’m under contract and I have a lot of respect for the Galaxy. But the chance to play for Milan is something special,” Beckham said in the interview, which was published in Italian. “I knew I would enjoy it, but I didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. But in terms of character, I’m a very respectful person.”
Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said Tuesday the seven-time European champions were prepared to pay a fee to keep Beckham, and would meet with his representatives in the next few days.
“I find (Milan) very similar to Manchester United. It has that tradition that only the great clubs have,” Beckham said. “At Milan, like at United, it’s a very particular atmosphere wherever you go, from the training pitch to the stadium.”
The former United and Real Madrid player scored his first goal for Milan in Sunday’s 4-1 victory over Bologna.
His second came on Wednesday from a free kick 33 minutes into a match against Genoa, with England coach Fabio Capello looking on. The sharp-angled shot taken from the left of Genoa’s area put Milan ahead 1-0.
Beckham started in Milan’s three previous matches, and the Rossoneri did not lose, drawing with AS Roma and beating Fiorentina and Bologna.
Beckham hopes to be called up by Capello for a friendly against Spain on Feb. 11 and equal Bobby Moore’s record of 108 England appearances for an outfield player.
His ultimate goal is to make England’s team for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and moving back to Los Angeles may hinder that bid. Capello was the one who suggested that Milan sign Beckham.
“The Americans are doing everything they can to improve the level and reputation of their game. It’s a young league and I think it needs another 10 years to become successful,” said Beckham, whose contract with the Galaxy lasts through 2012.
“I have to admit that, having played in Europe, sometimes it was frustrating playing in certain games. But every now and then, moving from one state to another, I also enjoyed myself.”
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