'Becks gave up a lot of money'

Milan - David Beckham gave up a "huge" amount of money to make his dream of staying at AC Milan turn into a reality, the club's vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed.

A deal allowing Beckham to stay in Italy until the end of June before returning to Los Angeles to see out the remainder of the 2009 Major League Soccer season with Galaxy was announced on Sunday, just one day before the former England captain's loan agreement was due to end.

And Galliani said that the 33-year-old had made a big financial sacrifice in order to stay at Milan.

"Many players show their affection only through words. David Beckham is one of the few who has done so with his actions," he said.

"He's made an incredible economic effort, paying a huge amount out of his own pocket."

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said he expected great things from the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder now that his contract uncertainty was behind him.

"I think he was surprised to play from the start from the first match against (AS) Roma, now after a period where his level dipped a little he is returning to his best," he said.