Source: Eurosport
Beckham Revitalised By Milan Move
David Beckham is enjoying a new lease of life at AC Milan.[LNB]The former England skipper is set to win a record 109th cap against Slovakia on Saturday as the national team prepare for next week's crucial World Cup qualifier with Ukraine.[LNB]Two years ago, Beckham could never have imagined reaching such a figure.[LNB]But after putting the troubles that at one stage saw him axed for England and by current coach Fabio Capello with Real Madrid behind him, the 33-year-old is enjoying himself more than at any other stage of his career.[LNB]"Going to Milan has taken me to another level, both in terms of form and fitness," he said.[LNB]"A lot of people thought I wouldn't start a game or even play in any. Even I was thinking that given the players Milan have.[LNB]"But being involved so often has improved my confidence and my form. I am fitter than I have been for a long time and I have always said that when my fitness is at a high level, I can perform."[LNB]For virtually the first time, Beckham has admitted he thought his days as a top-line player were over when he was dumped by Steve McClaren in 2006.[LNB]Informed by answering machine message that his services were no longer required, his confidence was shattered.[LNB]Through sheer persistence and force of will, the Londoner went on to end that season as a title-winner in Spain and even got his England place back.[LNB]But the psychological damage had been done.[LNB]"I have had a lot of ups and downs in my career but being left out of the England squad was a big low," he said.[LNB]"It knocked my confidence a lot and it affected me.[LNB]"I just assumed I wouldn't play for my country again. They were playing well and I just thought: 'That's it'."[LNB]It was that mindset that Beckham took into any negotiations over his career as his contract with Real Madrid entered its final season.[LNB]Under such circumstances, it is easy to see how the lure of life in Major League Soccer began to look attractive.[LNB]Even now, Beckham will not say he regrets the decision but clearly feels happier playing in Italy.[LNB]"I didn't feel my legs had gone but confidence-wise, maybe," he said.[LNB]"When I went to Milan, I didn't know whether I was going to play a game or whether I would be able to keep up with the pace of some of the players in the team.[LNB]"But I surprised myself. The confidence is back that I can still play at this level.[LNB]"I went to LA to try something different and the game is still growing there. However, I was quite happy to get the Milan thing sorted.[LNB]"I have to be playing at the highest level to put me in a position to carry on getting picked for England. Being at Milan doesn't guarantee me a place but, in my own head, it gives me, the satisfaction of knowing I have done everything to be in that position."[LNB]
