In a busy week in which Carlo Ancelotti has announced that he is to leave Milan and the England team have been given the all clear to take part in the 2012 olympics, Milan finish the 2009 Serie A season in third place by beating Fiorentina and qualifying for the Champions League.
Beckham was included in the starting lineup against Fiorentina as he prepares himself to return to LA for the Summer. The game started briskly enough, Fiorentina came out with intent and Milan responded with equal determination. Chances came and went for both sides without the deadlock being broken for the first fourty five minutes. One of the most notable events was an admission by Kaka that he had last touched the ball when otherwise a certain corner would have been awarded to Milan. A rare show of sportsmanship in the modern game on a par with the protests by Andre Arsharvin a few weeks ago after having a penalty awarded in his favour.
It was 10 minutes into the second half that Milan took the lead through Kaka, and this was the start of a period where Milan began to dominate the game. Inzaghi was replaced by Pato and just a few minutes later Pato scored the second Milan goal. Nesta took the field in place of Flamini and Gattuso came on for Beckham late in the game - Having succesfully dominated away from home for the last game of the eason, it just remained for Milan to say their final goodbyes to long-serving Maldini who now retires.
I am sure that the Milan Experiment will figure as a much-needed success for Beckham and there is no doubt that having Beckham in the Milan side has helped them secure a Champions League spot next season. Last time Beckham played in Europe for Real Madrid he left after having helped the team win the league - the type of success that has been sadly lacking playing for The Galaxy. I think he needed to prove to himself, as well as to the England manager that he was still able to mix it with the best, and whatever the financial cost, the experience has been invaluable. After England duties and a well-earned break, Beckham will return to a very mediocre Galaxy who although not often beaten... very rarely win... Their record this season boasts a total of six 1-1 draws, and only one win to offset against their one defeat.
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