12 January,2009 09:11 AM IST | | Agencies
Former England captain David Beckham admitted he was surprised to be handed a start on his debut for AC Milan in their 2-2 Serie A draw at AS Roma.
On-loan Beckham was taken off a minute from time of a pulsating encounter that saw Mirko Vucinic, for the hosts, and Pato, for Beckham's team, both grab a brace.
It wasn't the dream start that Beckham would have wished for but he gave an industrial performance on the right of a three-man midfield and showed several glimpses of his passing range, crossing ability and even his sterling defensive work.
He had one shot on goal but his curled effort from outside the area lacked the pace to trouble Doni in the Roma goal.
But that didn't detract from the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man's enjoyment of the occasion.
"I enjoyed it immensely, I was surprised to start the game but given the chance I really enjoyed it," he said.
Beckham began the match by staying deep and often leaving his team-mates to forage forward but as the game wore on and he found his feet, he increasingly started to make typical bursting runs down the right flank, whilst also coming inside to see more of the ball.
He said, however, that the differences between Italian football and that in Spain or England were not so great.
"It's similar, of course there's more of a tactical level in Italy, there always has been that and there always will be but I think I adapted pretty well and I enjoyed it.
