MILAN (AP)

David Beckham said yesterday that his desire to move to AC Milan is about sporting reasons and that the financial side of any potential transfer does not concern him.

The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid player admitted for the first time on Wednesday that he wants to stay with the San Siro side rather than return to the Los Angeles Galaxy once his three-month loan period finishes on March 8.

rediscovered myself

"At the moment Milan is more important than money. I want to think about football before everything else. I said in a clear manner what I think, I want to stay at Milan because I've rediscovered myself as a football player," said.

"The immediate aim is to stay here in Milan and play at the highest level possible. This would give me the best possibility of securing a place with the England national team."

So far there have been no talks between the two clubs, though it is expected that the Italians will begin negotiations soon.

Negotiations are expected to be tricky, with the issue of Beckham's image rights likely to prove a sticking point.

I have faith

"We will have to see what happens between the two clubs, Galaxy and Milan. I have faith (in them) and therefore I've made my decision. I have a lot of respect for Galaxy, but I want to stay at Milan and I hope the two clubs can come to an agreement," Beckham said.

Alex Ferguson, Beckham's former manager at Manchester United, would be pleased to see him return to high-level competition in Europe.

"If they give him that opportunity it would be silly not to take it," Ferguson said. "He's had a spell at Galaxy and, fine, they've paid him an awful lot of money and they should have some loyalty from him."