Source: London_Paper
England star David Beckham snubs Tottenham and Chelsea
DAVID BECKHAM has left Tottenham and Chelsea disappointed after ruling out a return to the Premier League.
Beckham, who won his 113th cap for his country in last night's 2-2 draw in Amsterdam, had been tipped to return to play in England once the American season is over and the transfer window re-opens.
But the midfielder, who has been told by Fabio Capello he must play in Europe next year if he wants to be part of England's World Cup squad, has now made it clear his first choice is AC Milan.
When asked if he could return to the Premiership he said: ‘No. I mean I’m never going to stand here and say it will never happen but obviously I enjoyed my time at Milan and they have expressed that they want me to go back. And you know AC Milan is one of the best clubs in the world.’
It's bad news for Harry Redknapp, who had hinted he would be interested in a deal to bring Beckham to White Hart Lane while the link with Chelsea was inevitable because it was Carlo Ancelotti who took Beckham to Milan on loan last year.
The one thing Beckham knows for certain, however, is that Capello has insisted he must be in Europe by Christmas if he wants to play in South Africa next year.
‘I read that a couple of days ago but it’s old news,’ said Beckham. ‘I’ve always known that, everyone has known that and it’s been a fact for a long time now. It’s important I’m playing in a European league leading up to the World Cup.
‘I’ll concentrate on the rest of the MLS season with the Galaxy and then after that’s finished in a few months I’ll make plans.
‘I’m 95 or 99 per cent sure they will happen. So, like I said, it’s important I concentrate on the season with the Galaxy and once that’s over there will be a decision made by myself and the club I’m going to.’
Beckham’s loyalty to England has gone down less well in the States where he was booed by Galaxy fans on his return to the MLS.
But his recent performances on the field have helped the team to second in the table and a possible play-off place.
‘Things are going well,’ said Beckham. "That's why I want to concentrate on Galaxy now and finish the season on a high."
Becks also believes things are going well for England after substitute Jermain Defoe scored twice to earn a draw against Holland yesterday after England went 2-0 down in the Amsterdam Arena.
West Ham's Carlton Cole and Aston Villa's James Milner also impressed as second-half subs and won praise from Beckham.
He said: ‘We’ve got a whole squad of exciting young players, not just 11. We’ve got a whole host of players who can come on and make a difference.
‘Jermain yesterday in training was on fire, scoring goals for fun, and we knew if he got a chance tonight he would score. With Carlton coming on they both looked a threat and James Milner on the left creating goals. It’s what you want to see and what England fans want to see ‘ young players coming on and making a difference.
‘The competition in the squad is growing and hopefully once we qualify that will continue because you want competition, it’s what makes great teams.’
Does Becks merit a place in the World Cup squad’ Let us know what you think...
