David Beckham's Italian Job

15 January 2009

The world�s most famous footballer is now in Italy � for a bit. But what will he drive? Vijay Pattni looks at Goldenballs� options�

He used to wear a sarong, shaved his hair into a Mohawk, and wore flip-flops�in public.

Yes, poster-boy for an entire generation of youngsters, Armani model and international superstar David Beckham has sported some �questionable� fashion choices.

So it�s funny how Goldenballs has now moved to Milan � Europe�s fashion capital. He is currently on loan from his home club Los Angeles Galaxy to Italian giants AC Milan, and has hinted that his initial three month stay may be extended�

Beckingham Palace to Buckingham Palace

It�s a from Leytonstone for the wide-eyed superstar. David began his footballing career at the Bobby Charlton Soccer School at the tender age of 11 � but even at this early age Becks was quick to display his golden touch�he became �skills champion� for his age group.

He then went on a short-term loan to Preston North End, before signing for Manchester United, and during the 1996/1997 season, famously scored from the halfway line against Wimbledon.

And this magic had the nation enthralled � here was this talented, handsome young chap who was engaged to a member of one of the biggest girl groups of the 20th century, who ended up making the historic trip from his mansion - dubbed 'Beckingham Palace' - to Buckingham Palace to collect an OBE from the Queen.

The Long Way Down

But although David�s football skills earned him a place on the England squad � thus fulfilling every kids dream � he soon found himself on the wrong end of the British media.

In the 1998 World Cup, England faced Argentina, and during the match Beckham was fouled by Diego Simeone. While he was lying on the floor, Beckham lashed out at Simeone, kicking his calf and forcing a reaction from the Argentinean, earning Beckham a red card.

And the golden boy of English football soon became the most hated man in Britain � there was even a David Beckham effigy which was found hanging outside a London pub, while newspapers printed dartboards with Beckham�s face printed in the centre.

Thankfully though, Beckham kept his head down, put in some solid performances for club and country, eventually became England captain, and is now one of the most revered British icons of our time.

The Self-Preservation Soc-eye-er-ty

His move to America to play �soccer� was unexpected, but his loan to AC Milan for the next few months is a welcome one.

And this got us thinking. We know Becks loves his motors � we�ve had plenty of his old cars for sale on Auto Trader, including a fully customised Bentley Arnage, complete with wife Victoria�s initials embroidered in the rear armrest.

He�s had plenty of flash motors in the past and is a renowned petrolhead. He�s previously owned a plethora of American SUVs, an armour-plated X5, a top-of-the-range Mercedes, an Aston Martin and is rumoured to currently own a customised black Porsche 911.

So now David�s in Milano, what Italian motors will he lay his hands on?

We�ve rounded up some contenders in our image gallery � find out what they are by clicking on the image.

Altogether now��We are the self-preservation, soc-eye-er-ty��