Beckham: I won't celebrate scoring against United
Soccernet - February 8, 2010
AC Milan midfielder David Beckham has promised he will not celebrate if he scores against former club Manchester United in next week's Champions League last-16 clash.
United face Milan in the Champions League at the San Siro next Tuesday, with the return leg on March 10 at Old Trafford. And after 394 appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, the England midfielder believes it would be inappropriate behaviour should he find the net for the Rossoneri.
It is the first time Beckham has faced his former club and he remains grateful to the fans who backed him after he was sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.
"Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I would celebrate," Beckham told Inside United magazine. "I respect the supporters and the club. The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me.
"I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me. I would not have got through everything without them. To me they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that.''
Beckham started his career at United after moving up from London to sign schoolboy forms with the club and made his league debut in 1995, going on to play for eight more years at Old Trafford before moving to Real Madrid.
A high-profile transfer to LA Galaxy followed and the former England captain is currently on loan at Milan in a bid to retain his form and fitness and earn a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad. But Beckham admitted that after playing for three of the world's bioggest teams, it is his first club who remain his first love.
"I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me. Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan. Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I've ever had to deal with. When you are a Manchester United player and a Manchester United fan you never want to play for any other club.
"I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still means so much to me. I've still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible. I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds.''
"United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there. The first few years (after leaving) were hard and there were a lot of things I missed. When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford.
"The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much. But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional. It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night.
"I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again. It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of.''