David Beckham made his Serie A debut on Sunday when he played 89 minutes and impressed as Milan drew 2-2 against Roma, but doubt still remains over his long-term future.
The 33-year-old, who is on-loan at Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, is due to return to the United States in March when the new Major League Soccer season kicks off.
However, when asked about his plans Beckham’s response appeared non-commital: ”The contract and the agreement is that I go back to LA on March 8th or 9th so I’m going to enjoy it up to then and we’ll see,” said Beckham.
There has been suggestion that if Beckham’s loan is deemed a success he could return to the San Siro next January as he tries to maintain his fitness and become part of England manager Fabio Capello’s plans ahead of the 2012 World Cup.
After the game against Roma Beckham admitted to being was pleasantly ”surprised” that Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti had given him a start.
”I feel very good, very strong, a lot stronger than I thought I was going to feel,” Beckham said. ”I had fun out there. I was surprised to have started the game but I am happy. Playing out there is what I love doing and I enjoyed it.
”When we had the meeting before the game, Ancelotti told all the players what the team was and that’s when I found out. I didn’t think I would last that long but I felt so good.
”At half-time I felt really strong. I think the manager saw that I felt good, that I still had energy and he kept me on. And I’m glad the manager kept me as long as he did because I needed time on the pitch in order to get match fitness.”
Beckham was asked if Capello had told him anything before playing for Milan, a club Capello once coached.
”Everybody knows I have a very good relationship with Fabio,” Beckham said. ”He’s a great manager. He gave me advice to play football at the highest level.
”It is great to play at this club and to be out there with some great players. I’m enjoying being part of this team and training with these players but I will take it one step at a time. It’s pretty amazing to be among some of those players and I’m glad to just give them the ball and they’ll deliver.”
On Saturday, Ancelotti said that Beckham would almost certainly be on the bench, but instead opted to start him.
“Beckham has shown in the days he has been with us that he is a tactically-clever player, serious and well-balanced. Starting him was a little reward for inserting himself well into our group,” Ancelotti told Sky Italia after the game.
