Carlo: Beckham won me over
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CARLO ANCELOTTI has revealed he never planned to play David Beckham during his two-month loan spell.
The England star is expected to extend his loan deal at AC Milan this week. But Milan boss Ancelotti says he was won over by Beckham and had no option but to start him. Beckham, 33, has made nine appearances and scored two goals during his dream spell in Italy.
Ancelotti said: "At the beginning Beckham was set to train with us for two months and I didn´t think about playing him. "Then, I saw how he trained and I had no choice.
"We tried to get him four years earlier and two years ago but the negotiations faded away. "I can say he is a great player. He has won me over with his performances and his character."
Ancelotti believes Beckham has improved with age. He added: "On the pitch, Beckham sees everything before everyone else. "His vision of play is better now than during his time in Manchester and in that respect, he has nothing to envy Kaka for.
"He is slower but much stronger tactically and technically. "He is very intelligent and works a lot."
Ancelotti followed up his praise for Beckham with criticism of summer signing Ronaldinho.
He blasted: "Players like him base everything on talent. "I have coached many great players and the majority think they can make the difference just with talent. This is not true.
"In modern football if you don´t have good physical condition and work in training it´s difficult to shine in a game."