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Beckham's Back

DPA news agency (kjb)January 7, 2009

David Beckham made a quiet debut for AC Milan as the Italians ran out winners on penalties in a friendly against German Bundesliga side Hamburg in Dubai on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

https://p.dw.com/p/GTNC
Milan's David Beckham, right, controls the ball as Marcell Jansen of Hamburg tries to close him down during the friendly soccer match between AC Milan and Hamburg SV in Dubai, Jan. 6
Beckham wants to prove he can still play with Europe's bestImage: AP

Beckham, wearing the number 32 shirt, played the first 45 minutes on the right side of midfield in the Dubai Football Challenge.

Milan won 4-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Brazilian Ronaldinho scored from the spot for Milan in the 62nd minute only for substitute Collin Benjamin to equalize five minutes later.

Beckham, 33, has joined Milan on loan from US side LA Galaxy and could make his Serie A debut when Milan play Roma on Sunday.

He is hoping to regain his England place during the MLS close-season by staying fit and wants to play regularly with Milan.

England play Spain in a friendly on Feb. 11 and the former England captain is seeking his 108th cap. That would put him level with the late Bobby Moore as England's second-most capped player behind Peter Shilton.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star could play some part against Roma.

"He is a great champion -- a very, very good player," said Ancelotti. "He needs to work hard because there is a lot of competition in the squad. But we'll use him for sure."