David Beckham: I will not celebrate if I score against Manchester United

Ahead of Manchester United and AC Milan's glamour pairing in the Champions League on Tuesday, former Red Devil David Beckham has claimed that he will refuse to celebrate should he score.

The first-leg, scheduled for February 16 at the San Siro with the return leg set for Old Trafford on March 10, will be the first time that Beckham will play against the side that helped make his name.

"The relationship I have with the fans is still important to me," stressed the veteran midfielder. "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.

"I always wish I was part of Manchester United, it is just in me. Even though I am not there anymore, 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 Manchester United player and a Manchester 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 means 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."

"I would love to take my sons one day. United will always be such a special place to me, so we will just have to see what the future holds."

Beckham, during his 13 years spent under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, aided six successful Premier League campaigns, as well as playing a fundamental part in two FA Cups and the Champions League in 1999. He left in 2003 to join Real Madrid.

"United was the club I always wanted to play for and I loved every minute of my time there. The first few years [after leaving] were hard and there were a lot of things I missed.

"When I was at Real Madrid it just never felt right to come back to Old Trafford. The thought of playing against United always gave me that sick feeling because I missed the club so much.

"But when the draw was made this time it felt as though it was the right time to go back. I felt really emotional.

"It will also be extremely emotional for myself and my family on the night. I met so many amazing people during my time there, on and off the pitch, that I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.

"It is the biggest club in the world and it is one you always want to be a part of."