Ancelotti backs Beckham to succeed

Ancelotti backs Beckham to succeed

Published Feb. 5, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

Carlo Ancelotti insists David Beckham's age is no barrier to success after tipping the former England captain to shine for Paris Saint-Germain.

Beckham, 37, last week signed a five-month contract with PSG and Ancelotti has described the former England captain as one of the best professionals he has ever worked with.

Ancelotti told French TV programme beIN Sport: "It's true that he's 37 but he's still a player.

"I remember a certain player who won the Champions League at 39 and his name is (Paolo) Maldini.

ADVERTISEMENT

"He's 37 but still has the motivation and the physical condition... Beckham's not had many injuries in his career.

"He's one of the most serious and professional players I've ever known."

Beckham will join up with PSG on February 11, after the international break.

He has signed a five-month contract initially but will consider extending it on a rolling basis if the Qatar-owned club are interested in doing so ahead of next season.

The presence of ex-Chelsea boss Ancelotti and sporting director Leonardo at the club was a key factor in Beckham's decision to choose PSG - he knows both men from their time at AC Milan as he had loan spells at the Italian club from the Los Angeles Galaxy.

High-spending PSG are still in the Champions League knockout stage - they face Valencia next week, but it will come too early for Beckham who is short of match fitness.

share