Beckham says he wants to stay with Milan

David Beckham said he hoped to turn his loan spell with AC Milan into a permanent transfer after playing for the Italian giants in their 2-2 friendly draw with Rangers at Ibrox here Wednesday.

The England midfielder is on loan to Milan from US Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy in a deal that is due to expire on March 9.

But Milan have made no secret of their desire to hang on to Beckham who, after playing the first half against Rangers, said: “At the moment my lawyers are not talking to the Galaxy but I have expressed my desire to stay at AC Milan now and it’s just down to Milan and Galaxy to come to an agreement.

“I have enjoyed my time here. I knew I would enjoy it but I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I have.”

Beckham, 33, has been in fine form since arriving at the San Siro, scoring twice for Milan to help the club into second place in Italy’s Serie A.

And he believes continuing to play for Milan will bolster his chances of being included in England’s squad for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa should the team managed by Italian Fabio Capello qualify.

“I’ve expressed my desire to stay here for a while but at the moment I’m still a Galaxy player,” Beckham said.

“I respect the Galaxy and everything they have done for me. They have always been great to me.”

Nevertheless, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid playmaker added: “But I hope they can come to an agreement and it’s down to the clubs now. At this point it’s out of my hands. I’ve said what my feelings are to both clubs.

“To be given the chance again to play at this level at my age is pretty incredible and I’ve enjoyed it so much I would like to continue it. I think people have seen the way I’ve been since playing at this level again.

“It’s nothing against the MLS and the football over there, because it’s a game that will grow but it will take quite a few years.

“I’m still confident that will happen eventually, but I want to have a chance of being involved in 2010 and I believe my best chance of doing so is to remain here.”