Beckham opts for credibility over celebrity as he bids to add Scudetti to his medal haul

ANYONE who doubts that David Beckham possesses a poise, grace and adroitness unsurpassed among the planet's pizzazz players should have been at Ibrox on Wednesday evening. Or more specifically, the mixed zone after the friendly between AC Milan and Rangers where the 33-year-old managed to conduct a radio interview, appear on camera, have his photograph taken and sign programmes all at the same time.

Indeed, as the man now seeking a permanent move from LA Galaxy to Milan edged his way round the crush barriers, no request for a piece of him from up to a dozen media outlets – and a dozen more Ibrox stadium workers who sought his scribble – was declined. Beckham can walk the walk, but then marketing himself as a brand, as the media-savvy good guy who remains grounded even as he glitters brightest among the game's glitterati has become his schtick. Yet, for many it has become the schtick with which to beat him.

Assessing his life inside the white lines of a football pitch, away from the white-outs of flash bulbs, the impression is that his football achievements have never quite married up to his unprecedented celebrity status; in large part earned through being married to Posh Spice. Maybe that explains his belated conversion to putting football riches before wealth and fame. The latter were guaranteed in Hollywood, where he was on a bonus-dependent $250m, five-year contract. But with Beckham unable to help Galaxy into their league play-offs, it is only in Milan that he would appear to have the opportunity to add to his collection of medals.

Indeed, the midfielder, who will equal Bobby Moore's 108 appearance tally and become the joint most-capped outfield England player if he features in this week's friendly against Spain, could be in with a chance to place himself in a group of one in the world if Milan pay the $5m fee the MLS require. Carlos Ancelotti's side lie six points behind Inter, whom they meet next Sunday.

Beckham's acquisition on loan in December is said to have been provided a spark instrumental in firing Milan up the table to the point they are now genuine contenders for the Scudetto.

If Beckham could add an Italian title to the five he claimed at Manchester United and the one he bagged with Real Madrid, he would become the first player to claim what are regarded as the golden trio of titles in the modern European game.

"Just to have played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan is special and I have done that," he said. "Obviously I only have a loan agreement at Milan, but if it becomes permanent then that too would be special. A title would be nice, but let's take each step as it comes."

The step down Beckham took in moving to America is one he is now willing to acknowledge as he waits for "the clubs to sort out" the details of his move to Italy. "Yeah," he said, somewhat sheepishly when asked if he enjoyed his football more when playing in Europe.

"I didn't dislike the football in America. I had great times there. I have been enjoying it and maybe in the future I will again."

He claims England manager Fabian Capello has expressed no preference as to where he plays and only said that when he was going on loan he should "play at the highest level".

With 17 championships and seven European Cups, Milan, with Kaka, Ronaldinho and a host of other stars, are all of that.

"The spirit is as close to Manchester United as I've experienced," Beckham said. "That's down to the history, the stability of the manager and the players. They are amazing people as well. They have welcomed me unbelievably well."

Maybe they secretly enjoy the fact that the hoopla surrounding Beckham can only enhance feelings of those in his circle that they are at the centre of the footballing universe. The ultimate celebrity player, meanwhile, will be relishing the prospect of once more enjoying fame founded on football.