Beckham hails United faithful

Milan star won't celebrate if he scores against Red Devils

Last updated: 8th February 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Beckham hails United faithful

Beckham: Old Trafford return

To me they are the best fans in the world

David Beckham on Man Utd's supporters
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David Beckham has paid tribute to Manchester United's supporters ahead of his forthcoming Old Trafford return.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League knock-out stages threw a blockbuster tie into the mix with Beckham's AC Milan pitted against the club where he began his career.

Beckham made 394 appearances for the Red Devils and will return to the Theatre of Dreams on 10th March for the first time as a player since he left the club in 2003 for Real Madrid.

And the 34-year-old LA Galaxy star - who is on loan with the Italian giants until the end of the season - insists he will remain forever grateful to the fans that backed him after he was sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

Affection

"Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I would celebrate," the former England captain told Inside United. "I respect the supporters and the club.

"The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me. I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me.

"I would not have got through everything without them. To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that."

Beckham, who is enjoying his second spell at Milan, has revealed he has an abiding affection for the Premier League champions.

He added: "I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me. Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan.

"Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with.

"When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.

"I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still means so much to me. I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible.

"I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds."

Struggle

Beckham's 13-year spell at United, in which he scored 85 goals, ended in July 2003 when he moved to Madrid and he admits he found it difficult to cope.

The England midfielder said: "United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there. The first few years (after leaving) were hard and there were a lot of things I missed.

"When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford. The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much.

"But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional.

"It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night. I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.

"It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of."