[ITALY] The Los Angeles Galaxy’s David Beckham, who is on loan to AC Milan until the start of the MLS season, made his debut for the Rossoneri in a friendly against Germany’s Hamburg SV in Dubai.
Beckham started and was subbed at halftime in the game that AC Milan won, 4-3, on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie. He played a defensive midfield role and made little impact before being replaced by Mathieu Flamini.
"Felt just like when I was at [Manchester] United, they had families here sitting with the kids and it brings back memories," Beckham said. "It was exciting for me. Penalties aren’t the best way to win a game, but I’m glad that we won. AC Milan works very hard and I love working hard."
Milan took the lead on a Ronaldinho penalty kick in the 62nd minute. Collin Benjamin equalized for HSV from close range five minutes later.
"I think 90 minutes would have been too much for him because he hasn’t played for over two months," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "Beckham is obviously not playing at his best because of the absence from competitive action, but this last week was very good for him and I’m sure he can be better.
"He is tactically a sound player and he plays for the team and was always making himself available during the match."
Beckham did blunder once when his back pass to Paolo Maldini that was intercepted by Hamburg’s Ivica Olic, who was fouled by Maldini before he had a chance to beat goalkeeper Dida.