David Beckham admitted he even surprised himself with his fitness levels as he played 89 minutes in his AC Milan debut Sunday.
The 33-year-old impressed as two goals from Alexandre Pato helped the Rossoneri to a 2-2 draw at Roma in their first game after the winter break.
"I am really happy with the game," said Beckham, who had been widely expected to begin the game on the bench. "I found out I was going to start before the game during the team meeting.
"I was very happy that the manager kept me on for as long as he did because it is important for me to get match fitness and, to be honest, I felt better than I thought I would feel.
"Now I just hope to start some more games, but I will take one step at a time."
Beckham is on a short-term loan deal at Milan from Major League Soccer side the Los Angeles Galaxy.
He will hope to make his home debut for Milan when they face Fiorentina on Saturday.
