Wenger: Becks is welcome
24 Oct 2008 - 15:18:49
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has told David Beckham that he would be welcome to join in training again with his squad as he looks to keep himself fit for England duty.
Beckham, 33, is expected to join Italian side AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in January as he bids to prolong his international career.
During the close season in the MLS last year, the former England captain trained with the Gunners.
But while Wenger has admitted Beckham would be welcome to return should he not join AC Milan, the Frenchman is adamant that he has no interest in offering the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder a playing role.
"I have not been in touch with him and certainly not as a player for the club but, if he wants to be fit and practice, why not?" he claimed.
"We have Theo Walcott who plays in this position, Emmanuel Eboue who plays in this position so we are not looking for a right midfielder."
Meanwhile, Wenger is planning to hold talks with William Gallas after his captain was photographed leaving a London nightspot earlier in the week with an unlit cigarette in his mouth.
"I didn't see the picture. I have been informed, but I don't like that," he said.
"I will check that with him. He has a responsibility as captain of Arsenal Football Club. That cannot be accepted.
"It is a public job with a public responsibility and therefore it is exactly the same for everybody."