Famous shirt fashioned my move to Milan, says Beckham

(GIAMPIERO SPOSITO/REUTERS)

David Beckham finally arrived in Italy yesterday to start his loan stint with Milan desperate to make the right impression. Despite the England midfielder's grandiose entrance into Italian football he insisted that, "Fashion had nothing to do with my choice in coming to Milan. Well, it did in a way. The red and black shirt is the reason I came there," he said.

"The shirt, and the history behind this club. As a young kid, my dream was always to play for Manchester United, where I wanted to start and finish my career, but when I left Man U, it was a huge honour to have the chance to play for Real Madrid.

"[But] every time there was an Italian game on TV, if it was Milan, I always watched it. I have always loved the history and the players at the club," he added. "[England manager] Fabio Capello told me I had to play football at the highest level [to play for him] and I believe I will be doing that."

Milan were due to face Udinese at San Siro in Serie A last night.