A rejuvenated David Beckham, who has made a big impact in Serie A on loan with AC Milan, sees a permanent move to Italy as giving him every chance of playing one more World Cup with England in South Africa next year.
Beckham, 33, said for the first time in Glasgow that he would like to quit Los Angeles Galaxy, where he appeared to have put himself out to grass in U.S. soccer in 2007, and turn his loan deal with Milan into a permanent move.
"I have expressed my desire now to stay in Milan and hopefully the clubs can come to some agreement," the former England captain told reporters after a friendly between Rangers and Milan at Ibrox.
"I expected to enjoy it (in Milan), but I didn't expect to enjoy it this much and play in every game like I have.
"I have said that my intentions are to stay here. Now it is out of my hands so I have to wait and see," added Beckham, who has played at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
"My main objective is to stay at this club and I enjoy playing here and at the highest level and it would give me more of a chance (of playing in the 2010 World Cup)."
MILAN KEEN
Earlier in the day in Milan, the Italian giants said Beckham's lawyers were discussing with Galaxy the possibility of extending the player's loan spell, due to end on March 9.
The midfielder moved to Italy during the U.S. close season on a two-month loan to try to stay in contention for a place in the England side he captained at the previous two World Cups.
Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani has said he wants Beckham to stay. For technical reasons, Beckham's loan is actually until June but there is an agreement that he goes back to the United States in March.
Milan have not yet made an offer for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player, Galliani said.
"To enter a negotiation and eventually close a deal we have time until March 8," he said.
Calls for Beckham to stay at Milan have grown since he surpassed expectations with his performances. He has scored two goals in his first five starts for the Serie A side.
Milan, who are six points behind Serie A leaders and city rivals Inter, have included Beckham in their UEFA Cup squad.
Galaxy told Reuters in Los Angeles that they would make no immediate comment.