LONDON: AC Milan midfielder David Beckham promised he will not celebrate if he scores against Manchester United in the Champions League. After 394 appearances for the Red Devils, Beckham believes it would be inappropriate behaviour should he find the net for Milan.

United face Milan at San Siro next week in the last 16 tie with the return leg on March 10 at Old Trafford. It is the first time Beckham will face his former club and he remains grateful to the fans who backed him after he was sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

“Sometimes emotion can get the better of you when you score but I do not think I would celebrate. I respect the supporters and the club,” Beckham told Inside United.

“The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me. I went through some difficult times but they never stopped supporting me.

“I would not have got through everything without them. To me, they are the best fans in the world and the support they gave me week in, week out was incredible. Nothing will ever better that.”

Beckham, on loan to Milan from Los Angeles Galazy, has an abiding affection for United.

“I always wish I was part of United, it is just in me. Even though I am not there any more, I am still a huge fan. Coming to terms with not being a United player was certainly the toughest thing I’ve ever had to deal with.

“When you are a United player and a United fan you never want to play for any other club.

“I always want them to do well and be successful because the club still mean so much to me. I’ve still got season tickets and I will always keep them because I love to watch every game where possible.”

Beckham’s 13-year spell at United, where he scored 85 goals, ended in July 2003 when he moved to Real Madrid.