AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo wants David Beckham to remain at the club after admitting he has been impressed by the former England captain since his arrival at the club.
Beckham scored for the second game running against Genoa with a curling left-wing free-kick that flew in at the near post.
And while it was not enough to secure victory - Diego Milito scored a late equaliser to clinch a 1-1 draw for the visitors - it further enhanced the reputation of Beckham who has stood out in a midfield that contains the likes of Pirlo, Kaka and Clarence Seedorf.
Beckham is due to return to his parent club Los Angeles Galaxy in March, but Pirlo hopes a deal can be done to keep him in Milan. "He was a great purchase," Pirlo told AC Milan's TV Channel. "I hope he remains with us for a long time."
Beckham was forced off the field last night after 71 minutes with an abductor injury which has cast doubt over his fitness for this weekend's match with Lazio.
The Rossoneri find themselves eight points behind city rivals Inter Milan after last night's draw and Pirlo has urged his team-mates to put that result behind them and focus on their trip to Rome.
"I am very disappointed about yesterday's result against Genoa: we could have caught Juve and remain close to Inter. But now we must immediately think about Lazio," the Italy international said.
"Draws like the one last night are points lost. We played an excellent game, pressing high up the pitch and not letting Genoa play. "When you see you have a match under control and you can close it, and concede a goal at the end... there is disappointment. "We should have tried a few more shots, but it must be said they also did very well. But the league is still long, we can go all the way like we want to."
He added: "On Sunday we will find the usual difficulties in matches in Rome against a team like Lazio, in an environment like the Olimpico. "But we will go there to win because the only thing we need is a victory."
