Update – An even better in depth article on what’s gone on since the 2006 World Cup, the decisions Beckham made after McClaren dropped him from the English National Team and more importantly, why he made them.

One day after the general “anger and disappointment” towards David Beckham’s extended AC Milan move subsides, many will be able to take a step back and fully understand the realities of the decision that has allowed him the possibility of representing England in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Via Guardian

“Obviously being there now gives me more of a chance to be at that higher level to play at international level which is always important,” he said. “It’s improved my fitness more than anything else. When I first arrived in Dubai with Milan my body fat was 13.7 and now it’s 8.5 so I think it was more about the fitness side than anything else. But I had to adjust my game to the Italian game as well.

“I had to do that when I moved to Spain [to play for Real Madrid] from Manchester United and I felt it was successful there and obviously in Milan I have enjoyed that part of it.”

“The discipline of defending is one of the biggest things I’ve learnt since I’ve been in Milan. You have to have team discipline on the pitch.”

Beckham described playing for England as one of the “biggest highlights” of his career and says every cap he earns from now on is a “bonus”.

“I think that every time that I personally meet up with the team it’s a bonus because being on probably 94, 95 caps, I never expected to make 100. Making 100, people expected me to retire then, so to be on 108 now and hopefully get to 109, I’m happy with that.”

Image via Cnn