Beckham makes Milan debut

England star gets 45-minute run-out

Last updated: 6th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Beckham makes Milan debut

Beckham: Successful debut

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David Beckham made his long-awaited AC Milan debut on Tuesday as they beat Hamburg on penalties in a friendly in Dubai.

Beckham, who has joined the club on loan from MLS side LA Galaxy, started the game before being substituted at half-time for former Arsenal ace Mathieu Flamini.

The England international had a steady game for Milan and he could make his Serie A debut when Milan return to domestic action away to Roma on Sunday evening.

Ronaldinho put Milan ahead with a 63rd-minute penalty, but Collin Benjamin equalised four minutes later to send the game into a penalty shoot-out.

Milan got the better of their German opponents prevailing 4-3 on penalties as they continue their preparations for the resumption of the Serie A season.

Beckham admitted he was excited at the prospect of playing in Serie A and hopes his move to Milan will help him keep his place in Fabio Capello's plans with England.

"I'm still part of the national team now," said Beckham. "When I'm playing and when I'm fit the manager has always said there's a chance he'll pick me."

Beckham added: "I've never played in the Italian league before so it's going to be exciting for me."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by Beckham's first outing for the Rossoneri.

"To me he gave a very good impression," said Ancelotti. "Dynamic quality and also he is an intelligent player.

"Obviously he is not at his maximum because for two months he didn't do anything but he had a good week with us and now he is in a good condition and can make a good contribution to the team."