Seedorf salutes Beckham

Milan midfielder speaks with admiration for team-mate

Last updated: 8th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Seedorf salutes Beckham

Close pals Beckham and Seedorf

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David Beckham's AC Milan team-mate Clarence Seedorf has spoken of his delight over LA Galaxy's decision to allow the England international to stay in Italy.

After prolonged negotiations over the past month Milan and Galaxy eventually arrived at a compromise whereby Beckham will see out the season at the Serie A outfit before returning to America.

Beckham, who is desperate to play in Europe as he bids to make the 2010 World Cup, will line up for Milan next term too but only once the MLS season has reached its conclusion.

Commitment

Seedorf has been struck by his team-mate's commitment to stay at Milan is confident Beckham will continue to flourish now he has an arena befitting of his talent.

"I was extremely happy for him, I know how much he wanted this," he told Sky Sports News.

"Actually we hugged each other (after the deal was done); I think it was quite stressful for him even though no-one talks about it.

"Sometimes people don't realise the mental strength it takes for a player in such a situation.

"It's a big weight off his shoulders. I have watched him and know the stress he was feeling. Sometimes you don't have to talk about things, you just understand it.

"I'm just happy for him that it's over. I was worried from day one, I said I thought it would be resolved a few days before (Galaxy's deadline) and it happened."

At home

Beckham has taken a substantial pay cut in order for Milan to be able to finance the deal and Seedorf believes the player and club are a perfect match.

"This says that he is happy here. He feels at home and still wants to play at the highest level. That commitment to his career, to at least end it in Europe, is a normal feeling and a normal ambition.

"I'm happy that he can fulfil that ambition and that dream."

Seedorf's sentiments have been echoed by Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.

"All players show affection for a club but just a few of them show it in such a clear way - giving up a large sum of money," he told the Milan Channel.

"Beckham is one of them."