MILAN, Italy -- David Beckham insists this has everything to do with soccer and nothing to do with fashion and celebrity.
The 33-year-old midfielder also acknowledged on Saturday that playing for AC Milan on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy is a gamble.
Beckham, a former star for Manchester United and Real Madrid, said the move fulfills his dream of playing with a top Italian team and his goal of staying in shape during the MLS offseason in an attempt to keep a spot on England's team.
"I wouldn't take this opportunity if I didn't think that I could help the team and help the club," Beckham said during his introductory news conference at San Siro Stadium. "There are some great players out there. I don't expect to be starting on the first day because it doesn't happen that way."
England coach Fabio Capello has said it is not enough for Beckham to train with AC Milan -- he must also play to be considered for the national team.
"That is exactly the right thing a manager should do," Beckham said. "If any player is not playing in a team or playing at a top level, then playing at an international level is virtually impossible."
Beckham is bringing plenty of celebrity buzz with him to Italy. He is married to fashion icon Victoria Beckham and the player himself has done underwear ads for the Milanese designer Armani. Beckham said Milan's status as a fashion capital did not enter into his decision.
"No, fashion had nothing to do with my choice in coming to Milan," he said. "The red and black shirt was the reason I came to Milan, and the history behind the club."
Victoria Beckham sat in the front row during the news conference wearing a slim-fitting short-sleeved dress, black gloves and stiletto heels. "Posh Spice" has recently signed as the spokeswoman for the new Armani lingerie line.
She and the couple's three boys will remain in Los Angeles for most of her husband's stint.
"They're going to be staying in school, but we're going to be coming over as much as we can," Victoria Beckham said. "We're very, very excited."
The loan begins Jan. 7 and expires March 9, Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said. The midfielder will start work after the holidays when he joins his new teammates at a training camp in Dubai on Dec. 29.
"He is in really great physical condition, I am told, and I believe that after the period of preparation in Dubai, I believe he will be up to playing," Galliani said.
