Golden balls: Beckham shapes to deliver a trademark cross (above) and celebrates a goal with Ronaldinho (below)
On any other day AC Milan's midweek home match against Genoa would pass with precious little recognition in the majority of the world's media.
Wednesday's fixture, though, was different. For this was David Beckham's second debut with the giants of Italian football.
And what an impact the England international had. Within a few minutes of kick-off Beckham fizzed a sumptuous low cross into the area that Marco Borriello turned goalwards. Only a superb plunging save prevented Milan going ahead.
Watched by England coach Fabio Capello, and playing on the right of a three-pronged attack, Beckham excelled and was warmly applauded as he left the pitch on 75 minutes. By then, Milan led 5-1.
Genoa's Giuseppe Sculli put Genoa ahead but Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, Borriello (2) and substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar all notched to keep the Rossoneri eight points adrift of Serie A leaders Inter. David Suazo added a late consolation.
Beckham was surprised but happy to make the 75-minute appearance on his return to Serie A. 'I didn't expect to start, but obviously with the injuries we got during the week, I had to. I was happy. I was happy with the game and happy with the win and it's just great to be back. It felt great, he said.
And Beckham - who is in Milan to earn himself a World Cup place - was surprised to hear of Capello's presence. 'I didn't know he was there, I only found out afterwards,' admitted the former Manchester United player. 'But he loves football and he'll go to every game possible. I know he visits all of the Premier League games and, obviously being in Italy over the Christmas period, he was able to come to this game.
'I think it's always important that I work hard and perform well and I felt that I did that tonight but it's just one game.'
League leaders Inter Milan are the opponents in the Derby della Madonnina later
this month and Beckham believes his side is well-placed to mount a challenge for
silverware this season.
'I think after the first half of the season, we've done well. We are in a great position and we need to continue because Inter are a great team, they are going to keep winning games and they are the team to catch.
'But you know Juventus is a huge game, not just for us but for them as well. It's going to be a tough one but you always enjoy playing in those games.'
Milan coach Leonardo was delighted with Beckham's performance. 'He had a week where we tried him in every role (in training). I think that is the synthesis of what he is all about. He has an absolute willingness to help, extraordinary quality and tactical intelligence.'
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani, added: 'Beckham, just like last season, has been a great acquisition. He is a superb player and a superb person. 'He earns very little from us. He came to Milan for all different reasons than money.'
If Becks continue to shine, he will be well on his way to South Africa this summer.
impressed with this 'aging' man.
he hasnt lost his plot at all.
beckham was one fo those who never had speed or relied on his speed, so naturally age couldnt hurt him that badly as those other wingers..but his technical brilliance in ball distribution is still one of the very best..
Originally posted by stellazio:beckham was one fo those who never had speed or relied on his speed, so naturally age couldnt hurt him that badly as those other wingers..but his technical brilliance in ball distribution is still one of the very best..
Well, Giggs relied on his speed in his younger days but he was so hardworking that he managed to hone his techniques and skills to a higher level as he knew he could not always rely on his pace as he gets older.
Which also explains why Owen will never get back to England squad because his play is always about speed.