Ex-England captain and LA Galaxy crowd-puller David Beckham has made a shocking return to European football, as the MLS winds down until the spring. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger will join European giants AC Milan on loan until January, in an effort to keep fit and in the mind of England manager Fabio Capello.

Beckham will join international superstars Kaka, Ronaldinho and Brazilian wonderkid Alexandre Pato at the San Siro until the New Year.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said:

Beckham has chosen Milan. He’ll stay here in Milan on loan for a few months.

Our squad is ultra-competitive and it will remain this way. But Beckham is something different and intriguing.

Beckham needs to stay fit, and even play a few Serie A or UEFA Cup games for the Rossoneri to be considered for England’s friendly game against Germany in November. He only needs two more caps to surpass World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore as England’s most-capped outfield player.

It is a great deal for Beckham. For Milan? Well, they have yet another 30+ player to add to their under-performing veteran ranks.