Italian giants AC Milan have confirmed that England midfielder David Beckham will join them on loan on 7th January. The 33-year-old has reached an agreement with the club, after having talks surrounding the nature of the move from American club LA Galaxy.

The main thing Beckham hopes to get out of this will be the ability to maintain his match fitness. During the MLS close season, had Beckham not played any competitive football, then England manager Fabio Capello may have overlooked him for someone who was playing week in week out. After all, we all know how strict Mr Capello is about his players’ fitness – just ask Michael Owen.

By joining Ac Milan for a short period, Beckham keeps himself in the England picture as far as 2010 World Cup qualification goes. Even with 108 caps to his name, his international career is obviously something he is still very enthusiastic about.

Personally, I am delighted that Beckham has shown this determination to prove his fitness. At this stage of his career, moving to a new country with a new culture isn’t exactly ideal. However, he knows what he has to do if he is to continue playing for England. Therefore, I admire his decision to step up to the challenge of playing in Italy.

Ac Milan did try to sign Beckham before – in January 2007, when he instead opted for a move to LA Galaxy. It seems that the Italian club are willing to put this behind them though, as they believe Beckham can have a positive impact on proceedings at the San Siro.

England manager Capello also thinks that this will be the case, saying that Milan have ‘made a good addition’. This is something I agree with. I have always believed that Beckham would suit playing in Italy, as he will have time on the ball to make some of his trademark crosses or defence-splitting passes. His work-rate will also be a huge factor in his success as well, and will help the AC Milan fans take to him straight away.

As for how much Beckham will enjoy the experience, well I think he is going to love every second. Being a part of a team that possesses world-class players will be something he hasn’t been used to on a regular basis. He will enjoy playing in a magnificent stadium and he will enjoy being a part of European football again. In fact, once the two months is up, I would happily place a lot of my football betting money on the fact that he might not even want to return to America. The taste of it all may just get to him.

I really do hope that Beckham proves to everyone that he is still a very capable footballer at the top level. For him to help AC Milan battle it out for 1st place in Serie A would be something he can be very proud of. It might even make him believe that he was wrong to turn them down for America back in January 2007. Whatever happens – good luck Becks.

By Thomas Rooney – A sports writer who blogs about football betting