British midfielder David Beckham debuts for AC Milan during a friendly match against SV Hamburg in Dubai on Tuesday. (Sina.com.cn)

British midfielder David Beckham debuts for AC Milan during a friendly match against SV Hamburg in Dubai on Tuesday. The Italians won 4-3 on penalties after the match finished 1-1.

Beckham, 33, has joined the Serie A club on a short loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy to keep up his fitness and stay in contention for the England team during the US close season.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder soon got stuck into the game, sending a long ball into the Hamburg penalty area and seeking out Andriy Shevchenko.

He later set up Pato to shoot straight at the Hamburg keeper before being substituted at half-time.

Ronaldinho broke the deadlock for Milan, scoring from the penalty spot in the 61st minute, but Hamburg were quick to equalize with a close-range effort from Collin Benjamin in the 66th minute.

"I'm still part of the national team now," Beckham told reporters. "When I'm playing and when I'm fit the manager has always said there's a chance he'll pick me."

"I've never played in the Italian league before so it's going to be exciting for me."

"To me he gave a very good impression," said Milan's coach Carlo Ancelotti. "Dynamic quality and also he is an intelligent player."

"Obviously he is not at his maximum because for two months he didn't do anything but he had a good week with us and now he is in a good condition and can make a good contribution to the team."

(China Daily January 8, 2009)