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2010 dream behind Beckham stay
David Beckham has revealed his dream of playing for England in the 2010
FIFA World Cup South AfricaT was the motivation behind his desire to stay
with AC Milan. After weeks of negotiations, the midfielder extended his
loan with I Rossoneri from Los Angeles Galaxy until the end of the Italian
season, in an attempt to prove to Three Lions coach Fabio Capello that
he can still perform at the highest level.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player is desperate to have
one last crack at winning the FIFA World Cup, but he had been reduced
to a bit-part role for England since his move to Major League Soccer.
His switch to the San Siro has kept Beckham in Capello's thoughts, and
he made a record-equalling 108th England appearance in last month's friendly
with Spain.
Beckham, 33, will return to California to see out the rest of the MLS
season after finishing Milan's campaign. He is set to return to Italy
for the 2009/10 season, providing him with a platform to impress Capello,
and he believes staying with Milan will help his England ambitions.
"There's a few reasons for staying with Milan. One is I'm playing
with one of the biggest clubs in the world and with some of the best players
in the world. I'm passionate about that," Beckham told the BBC.
"Obviously the one everyone talks about is it gives me a chance to
play in the 2010 World Cup. I personally have to do everything I can to
be involved in that. Everyone knows how passionate I am about playing
for my country and if this gives me a better chance of being involved
in that squad that's great."
"I've done really well in my career and played for so many great
clubs. I've been able to help myself stay in Milan, if I can put it that
way. That is the big thing for me. It's never been about money for me.
It's been about football and my passion for the game. Hopefully this has
shown it.
"Everybody knew how much I wanted this to happen, and how much I
wanted to stay and play my football in Milan. Obviously the Galaxy have
been great and Milan have been great. I want to stay in Milan to help
the club qualify for the Champions League. It also gives me a chance to
go back to LA and finish the season. It is something I am very committed
to. Then after that we will see."
Beckham insisted his move to California has not been a mistake. "People
have always asked me if I've regretted my decision. Throughout my career
I've never wanted regrets and I've always said no," he said.
"At the time I felt it was the right thing to do. I've had two great
years with the Galaxy. We might not have been successful on the field
but statistics show the game has grown. If we continue to have the success
we've had with attendances and the interest in the game, that will be
positive and a sign that the game is moving forward."
FIFA.com,
9 March 2009
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