David Beckham: I Would Have Loved To Stay At Manchester United

David Beckham
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David Beckham
David Beckham has revealed that he would have loved to have played out his entire career at Manchester United.

The England international spent a decade with the Red Devils before leaving for Real Madrid in 2003, but is set to return to Old Trafford for the first time next month when AC Milan take on the English champions in the Champions League.

However, speaking to BBC Radio Five Live’s 'Sportsweek' programme, Beckham admitted he wished he had never left Manchester.

"I'd have loved to have stayed at Manchester United for my whole career and never gone anywhere else but it just wasn't meant to be,” he explained.

“It takes a special person and a player to stay at a club for so many years. Ryan's [Giggs] been there for so many years now and he'll be part of Manchester United for life – he's a Manchester boy and it runs through his blood.

"I'm so honoured to have played with Ryan through the years I did and to know him as a person and a player. He deserves all the success he's had this year and in the other years."

The midfielder also drew comparisons with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and England manager Fabio Capello, and revealed the respect he had for both men.

“He [Capello] gives us confidence where we might not have had it in the past," added Beckham.

“You really respect these managers. Sir Alex brought me up and was a father figure to me. I've got a huge amount of respect for him and the same for Fabio [Capello].

"They are two managers who don't just manage teams, they love football. That's why they've been successful and why they're still in the game now."

Yet despite his respect, Beckham insisted there was little chance of him following his mentors into management.

"There's no chance of me being a manager or a coach," he concluded.

"It doesn't interest me. I love coaching kids, that's my biggest passion. We'll see - I might change my mind in the future."

Arsene Wenger Rules Out Arsenal Move For Milan Striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Getty Images)
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Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed that the Gunners will not be making a move to sign AC Milan striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

With Robin van Persie effectively ruled out for the rest of the season, the north Londoners have been linked with a whole host of forwards including Huntelaar, Edin Dzeko, Marouane Chamakh and Craig Bellamy.

Despite being the Premier League’s top scorers and Wenger’s self-confessed dislike of the January transfer window, Arsenal are still expected to do business this month although one player not on the Frenchman's wanted list is Huntelaar.

"I am surprised he never plays but he is not on our radar," the Arsenal boss told the club’s official website.

"I don't believe this kind of player can move. I am not sure he can move again in this transfer period because he has already moved once this season."

Clarence Seedorf Hails Milan’s Pioneering Spirit

Clarence Seedorf - Milan (Getty Images)
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Clarence Seedorf - Milan (Getty Images)
Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf believes Leonardo’s innovative tactics set the Serie A giants apart from the rest of Europe.

‘Leo’ has earned widespread praise in Italy this season after turning around the Diavoli’s fortunes by employing an attacking 4-2-1-3 formation.

“I reckon that Milan are the only tactical novelty in Europe, Seedorf told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We play like the Spanish teams, but are clinical and efficient like an Italian side.

“When the results were not going our way, we all took our responsibilities. We decided to follow Leonardo’s course of action and the match against Chievo was our turning point.

“That’s when we realised we could have employed our new system against the little teams too and benefit from it.”

Milan sit second in the league standings, eight points behind leaders Inter, but have a game in hand.

AC Milan Defender Gianluca Zambrotta: We Must Not Underestimate Genoa

Gianluca Zambrotta, Milan (Getty Images)
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Gianluca Zambrotta, Milan (Getty Images)
AC Milan will look to start the new calendar year in winning fashion when the Serie A returns next Wednesday evening and full-back Gianluca Zambrotta has warned his team-mates not to underestimate the threat posed by Genoa.

“We have been working extremely well recently,” he declared to Ansa.

“However, Genoa is a very fast and strong side.

“Given the way we suffered against Palermo, we mustn’t take our foot off the gas because they have everything they need to put us into difficulty.”

The Rossoneri are currently eight points off leaders Inter with a game to spare over their cross town rivals.

Thiago Silva: Milan Can Win Big In 2010

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Thiago Silva - Milan (Getty Images)
Milan defender Thiago Silva is ready to regain his place in the squad and help reel in titles for 2010 as he underlines club objectives.

The Brazilian stopper has missed several weeks of action due to injury. But, having made a full recovery, he could be back in contention for the Genoa game.

His ambitions are grandiose as he eyes Scudetto and Champions League glory. Despite the enthusiasm, Silva knows unblocking the route to silverware will not be easy.
Nevertheless, he believes a good run will help smooth the road to success.

"I have recovered and I think I will be able to play on Wednesday [against Genoa]," he told Brazilian media.

"I am not short of motivation and I want to start 2010 on the right foot. We have everything to enjoy a great season and win trophies for Milan."

It's Time For Milan To Clarify Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's Situation - Agent

Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Grazia Neri)
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Jan Klaas Huntelaar - Milan (Grazia Neri)
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar's agent, Arnold Oosterveer, has made it clear that the Dutch attacker is far from happy with his current situation at Milan and that he wants answers about his future at the Diavoli.

"Three months ago, Leonardo said that Huntelaar would have more opportunity to play," was Oosterveer quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"And the leadership of the club has always shown confidence in him, reiterating their intention to keep him. But now there's only a few months until the World Cup and it's time to clarify the situation."

The 26-year-old striker joined Milan from Real Madrid last summer, but he has failed to make an impact at the San Siro so far. Huntelaar has scored only two league goals for the Rossoneri.

Huntelaar is continually being linked with a host of clubs, with Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Genoa, Ajax and Twente all believed to be keeping tabs on him.

David Beckham: Returning To Manchester United With Milan Will Be 'Incredible'

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David Beckham, Milan (Getty Images)
By Alan McGuinness

David Beckham has admitted that returning to Manchester United with AC Milan will be 'incredible'.

Beckham returns to his boyhood club for the first time since his departure to Real Madrid in 2003, when the Rossoneri travel to the Theatre of Dreams in the Champions League.

The former England captain cannot wait for the fixture, admitting he misses the club every single day.

"It’s such a special occasion - to be there in front of the fans, manager and friends. It’s going to be incredible,” he said as he began his second spell on loan with Milan.

“I don’t know whether I’ll be happy if we lose because I’d like to progress further in the competition and when you come up against a club that you support and a club that you spent so many great years at and [you’ve] still got so many friends at the club, those things are always difficult.

"But it’s a nice problem to have because I’ve never returned to Old Trafford as a player. In seven years I miss it every day.

"I miss being a Manchester United player, I miss the club, I miss the fans and friends at the club. It’s always going to be a special place in my heart.

"To return as an AC Milan player makes it extra special.

"That’s the big thing for me, to return with a team like this and a club like this. It’s got so much history, which is the same with Manchester United."