AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP)—David Beckham is hoping his stint with AC Milan will help extend his career and lead to another appearance with the English national team.
Beckham will join the Italian club in January on a three-month loan. His first competitive game for Milan could come in the capital against AS Roma on Jan. 11. The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder gave no indication Thursday that his career is nearing its end but “I take each game as it comes,” he said.
“It’s important that I keep my fitness up and that’s one of the reasons I’m going to Milan for a few months,” Beckham said.
Beckham and the Galaxy are due to play an exhibition match in Auckland on Saturday against an Oceania team that will include former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich and former French international player Christian Karembeu.
The 33-year-old Beckham is one appearance away from matching the England record 108 for an outfield player—held by 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. Goalkeeper Peter Shilton holds the overall England record of 125.
“I’ve always wanted to be known as a hard worker on the field and successful,” Beckham said. “I believe I’ve always worked hard in every game and every training session that I take part in.”
