London, Nov 12: English football star David Beckham has received a clear message about his place in the Italian club AC Milan pecking order after being told that he is “probably not in the class as a player of Ronaldinho or Kaka”.

The midfielder also knows that his chances of featuring regularly in Serie A will depend upon his fitness when he arrives in Milan, The Telegraph reported.

“There is nobody in football who can say anything against David as a footballer. He is a fantastic professional, dedicated to the game. A great player,” said Milan director Umberto Gandini.

London, Nov 7: LA Galaxy star David Beckham is likely to be axed for England’s clash with Germany on November 19.

The former skipper, one cap short of Bobby Moore’s outfield player record of 108, is about to pay the price for LA Galaxy’s failure to reach the MSL play-offs.

It is believed that Becks, 33, will lack match fitness for the prestigious friendly in Berlin, as he will not have played a serious game for three weeks, The Sun reported.

London, Nov 5: It looks like the global money meltdown has hit the mega-rich soccer ace David Beckham too.

The 33-year-old has seen his earnings nosedive as sponsors across the world cut back on lucrative deals.

According to figures released by the Government, the England ace’s company Footwork Productions made a profit of almost 10.5million pounds over the last year, compared to 15.5 million pounds in 2005 and 11.1million pounds in 2006.

However, things could get back on track for the dad of three as he has now signed a two-month loan move to Serie A giants AC Milan.

Italian firms, which are desperate to exploit Beckham’s short stay in the city, are lining up a host of advertisement and sponsor deals.

London, Nov 5: Soccer ace David Beckham and wife have gifted each other “magic” necklaces featuring an angel to watch over them and keep them safe.

Swapping the necklaces was an expression of love as the couple face separation following David’s departure to Italian AC Milan.

The hand-carved gold and silver Japanese talisman pendants represent Archangel Raphael, who was mentioned in a little-known section of the Old Testament called the Book of Tobit.

Many Catholics and Greek Orthodox Church members consider him to be the most powerful and loving angel in Heaven.

London, November 4 : ''''Simply Red'''' frontman Mick Hucknall is selling a signed pair of David Beckham''''s football boots at an auction – and is prepared to make a loss of 24,000 pounds.

The singer, who had bought the boots for 29,000 pounds at the ace footballer’s garden party before the 2002 World Cup, was told that they were expected to fetch only 3,000 to 5,000 pounds at the sale.

The red and white Adidas boots are embroidered with ‘No. 7 Beckham’ and bare the name of Beckham’s first son, Brooklyn, on the tongue.

They are signed as: “To Mick, Best Wishes, David Beckham 7.”

London, Nov 3 (ANI): The biggest challenge for David Beckham when he lands up in Italy for his loan period with AC Milan will be fighting merchandise piracy by the Italian Mafia.

Police have warned that the feared ’Ndragheta’ crime clan is all set to cash in on the England star’s popularity by manufacturing a large number of fake Beckham shirts and souvenirs.

According to FBI agents in America, counterfeiters working for the Mafia may soon be churning out fake merchandise to cash in on the Beckham fever.