Getting Games or Selling Shirts?

by Tom Clarke

I read this morning that David Beckham could well be on his way to AC Milan to play during the MLS close season. In my opinion, this is nothing more than an opportunity to sell replica shirts from AC Milans point of view. Their team is full of world-class players, including huge names like Kaka and Ronaldinho. But the fact is that although Beckham is now in the autumn (or some may go as far to say 'winter') of his career, Brand Beckham is still as strong as ever.

At the closing ceremony of the 2008 Olympics, Beckham made an appearance to kick a football into the gathered audience of thousands in the stadium. A host of people dived for the ball with the 'lucky victor' holding it tight to his chest for dear life. He is no longer revered for just his football talents.

Yes, Beckham was a great player, and can still show flashes of brilliance in his cameo 10-minute run-outs for the England squad, but the fact is that he plays his club football in the MLS, which is arguably at a level not even comparable to the Championship.

I doubt that AC Milan have been eyeing players like Bristol City's Lee Trundle, Barnsley's Jamal Campbell-Ryce or Birmingham City's Garry O'Connor...and they all scored this week (I looked it up...)

I really hope that I am wrong and Beckham finds a rich new vein of form whilst playing for Milan which he then transfers to his (surely coming to an end?) England appearances, but I can't help but think that there are other motives here.

You may find this viewpoint controversial, or maybe you agree with it...but what's really controversial is that I didn't link Milan with 'Posh Spice', 'shopping' and 'she made him do it'...now that would have been out of line...