MILAN, Italy (AP):

DAVID BECKHAM arrived in Milan yesterday for the former England captain's official presentation at the San Siro stadium ahead of his three-month loan spell with AC Milan.

Beckham underwent a medical examination in the morning and passed easily, according to Italian news agencies.

The England midfielder will be on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy until March, when the United States domestic season resumes.

Beckham, who cannot play competitive matches with AC Milan until the transfer window opens in January, will salute fans today ahead of AC Milan's Serie A match against Udinese. He will also reportedly meet Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who owns AC Milan.

Staying in shape

For Beckham the work of resuming his playing career will start after the Christmas holidays when he joins his new teammates at a training camp in Dubai on December 29.

Beckham is joining Milan to help him stay in shape and potentially prolong his career with England's national team during the Major League Soccer off season, but his arrival will also feature a celebrity element that has become part of the iconic footballer's entourage.

After his medical, Beckham went to meet his pop-star wife Victoria at the Four Seasons Hotel in the heart of Milan's exclusive shopping district, just steps away from the Versace and Armani fashion houses.

"Posh Spice" has recently signed on as the spokeswoman for the new Armani lingerie line.

Italian dailies reported that the couple was lunching with representatives of competing fashion house Dolce&Gabbana, which reportedly sent over a wardrobe selection for Victoria ahead of the evening press conference.

However, not everyone is enamoured with Beckham's arrival. AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso said he doesn't understand the point of Beckham's temporary move.

"This Beckham thing seems very strange to me. Perhaps it would have been better and more right if he stayed for the whole season and signed a proper contract," Gattuso said this week. "To be here for six weeks to two months seems pretty strange."

AC Milan are tied for third in the Italian league.