Beckham ´honoured´ by Milan move

David Beckham said on Saturday he felt “honoured” about the prospect of a loan move to “one of the biggest sides in the world” in Italian giants AC Milan but stressed his long-term future was with LA Galaxy.

England midfielder Beckham is set to put pen to paper on a temporary move to the San Siro with his American club's Major League Soccer season now at an end.

Such a move is necessary if Beckham is to maintain the match fitness England boss Fabio Capello says is essential if the free-kick expert is to have a chance of equalling Bobby Moore's 108-cap record in next month's friendly away to Germany.

“One of the reasons I want to train and play in Milan for a few months is the fact that the MLS season doesn't run as long as the European season and my body is programmed to actually not have that amount of time off,” former Manchester United and Real Madrid playmaker Beckham told his official website.

“AC Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the world, I've been lucky enough to play with one of the biggest clubs in England, one of the biggest clubs in Spain and now I'm being given the chance to play with one of the biggest clubs in Italy.

“I've been given the chance to join up with Milan for a couple of months and I'm very honoured.”

And it was clear the 33-year-old, for all he has repeatedly defended the standard of the MLS, was excited about working with some of the best players in the world once again.

“They've got Kaka, Ronaldinho, Seedorf and also a player with one of the best records in football, in (Paolo) Maldini.

“To be on the pitch and the training field and get experience with those players is a big honour for myself.

“It also gives me a chance to keep my fitness up and also carry that on for when I come back to the Galaxy for the MLS season.”

Beckham was adamant he would be returning to Los Angeles, insisting his Milan move was not the prelude to a permanent return to European club football.

“It doesn't mean I'm leaving the States,” Beckham said.

“I'm still very committed to being a Galaxy player. I came to the Galaxy to win trophies and I want to do that. I'm also very committed to my role as the MLS ambassador.

“It's been slightly disappointing on the Galaxy side because we haven't made the play-offs again but on the other side of it – the success of the MLS as a whole – the attendances and all aspects have been rising.

“The MLS is in a great position at the moment. My hope for the season coming with the Galaxy is to win trophies. That is a big part of why I'm here.”