Beckham Turned Down Milan
(Goal.com) - AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has revealed that David Beckham turned them down before penning his deal with Los Angeles Galaxy.
Inter had been linked with the former England skipper, but Galliani revealed that even Milan had made an approach.
"There was a chance that he would have come to Milan," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He has now decided to go to Los Angeles, but if he had stayed in Europe, we would have signed him.
"However, he has chosen a different adventure and a different life in America."
Galliani also hinted towards a new approach in the market, with emphasis on youth development as well.
"We will try to be more like Arsenal than Chelsea," he said. "We intend to scout for youngsters and discover fresh talent, like Ronaldinho when at Gremio. He should not be in PSG or Barcelona [as in Milan should snap up such players].
"However, when it comes to that, Italian league suffers economically compared to others, such as that or Spain."
For more soccer news visit Goal.com
Comments
i think if this move wasnt all for the fame he would have went to milan.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 12, 2007 05:49 PM
Beckham realizes he cannot physically handle the rigors of European soccer, the MLS is a perfect situation; he'll make a ton of money, fill stadiums, and he'll be the best player on the pitch. It's the best choice for him, and US soccer will benefit.
Posted by: Tesoro | January 12, 2007 07:06 PM
I think he made the right move at the right time. He still has the skills. As you mentioned Tesoro, he'll clearly be the best player on the pitch. MLS will get more attention (TV, news coverage) which in turn means dollars for MLS. Just imagine the bidding war to be the major sponsor on the front of that LA Galaxy Beckham jersey. $$$$ Cheers to Becks for making this move.
Posted by: Ghost Rider | January 12, 2007 07:59 PM
I have to agree with Tesoro. Beckham understands he cannot handle the rigors of European football. I think he felt to stay with Madrid also would dammage his image & this is what it's really all about. Beckham's image is massive in the sport. Of course there are loads of players that are so much better than Beckham but he was dealt a great hand of cards on this deal. Think about it, he will be making much more than any club in Europe was willing to pay him by going to Los Angeles. Chances are there are top level players the world over shaking their heads in disbelief right now.
Posted by: DynastySoccerFC ... Rasputin | January 12, 2007 08:39 PM
hopefully Beckams move will encourage more great players to move to MLS and get it more popular.
Posted by: yea | January 13, 2007 03:01 PM
SO YOU WANT TO BRING NEW SOCCER FANS .
WELL AMERICA LOVES HIGH SCORING GAMES.
BECKAM WILL NOT PRODUCE THOSE GOALS .
THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE GOING TO HERE
WHATS WAS HE PAID FOR SOCCER SUCKS.
I LOVE GOLD TV FOX BOTH ENGLISH
/ESPANYOL SESENTA RAI ESPN DEPORTES
I WATCH EVERY THING DAILY.
Posted by: soccer dr nyc | January 14, 2007 01:34 AM
smart choice for Beckham, at Milan he would be a spectator.
Posted by: wolfen | January 14, 2007 05:17 PM
No I don't think he would be a spectator at Milan, but I don't think he would make a difference either.
Posted by: giova * * * * | January 14, 2007 10:02 PM
If he was at Milan,I seriously don't think he would take Pirlo or Kaka's place,and let's not mention Seedorf,the only thing he's good for is the set kicks, which Pirlo has under control,believe me he would be a spectator.
Posted by: wolfen | January 15, 2007 01:52 PM
I think Beckham made the right choice to come to america. He and Landon will become best friends.
Posted by: Graham Yung | January 16, 2007 08:00 AM
Who cares guys. David was a good footballer, but the truth is that he sucks now. He knew that, so thats why he came to the U.S. If he had gone to Italy he would be a spectator. All he is going to do in america is sell shirts and make money, but i admit he is better than many players in the MLS.
Posted by: Anonymous | January 17, 2007 04:38 PM
The piece was uroniginal. I think I saw something identical written by Paul Gardner in a 1988 edition of Soccer America. He just regurgitated stuff he has seen over the years.It's not gloom and doom. The kids I see at the elite youth level would destroy my elite youth team from the mid-to-late 1990 s. It's progress.
Posted by: Landung | February 16, 2012 08:23 AM