Becks: Juve, at last we meet again!

Becks: Juve, at last we meet again!
Friday 8 May, 2009

David Beckham admits “playing against Juventus is always exciting and a game I’ve been waiting for since I arrived in Italy.”

The England midfielder has already faced them with Manchester United and Real Madrid, but this will be his first encounter with the Bianconeri in a Milan jersey.

“It is simply a crucial match. Playing against Juventus is always exciting and a game I’ve been waiting for since I arrived in Italy,” he told Mediaset.

“I did it with Manchester United and with Real, so I am sure there will be an incredible atmosphere, even if the important thing is to win so we can maintain second place.”

Becks was still registered to LA Galaxy when the Rossoneri lost 4-2 in Turin on December 14, so this will be his debut in one of the classic Italian fixtures.

Paolo Maldini is facing his final meeting with Juventus, as he hangs up his boots at the end of the season.

“The greatest thing about this experience has been taking part in Maldini’s career. He is a great player, a great captain and a great man,” added Beckham.

“I had only met him as an opponent before, so it was wonderful working by his side in the final six months of his career.

“I have received so much in Milan, from the club to the fans and teammates. I always hoped my colleagues could remember me as a great professional, a hard-working person and someone who gave his all for the good of the team.”

There were doubts over Beckham’s ability to shine in Serie A, but he impressed to such a degree that he will return to Milan after his contract with LA Galaxy reaches its cut-off point in November.

There are reports he has his lawyers on the case to ensure that reunion happens even sooner, but for the moment the plan is to return to the MLS at the end of the Serie A campaign.

His original loan spell was set to expire on March 9, but long negotiations and the player accepting huge wage cuts allowed him to stay on.

*chn4