AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed he had no intention of playing David Beckham when he showed up to train with the Rossoneri but was quickly won over by his work ethic.

Beckham joined Milan from the Los Angeles Galaxy on January 7 on a short-term loan deal, but his impact has seen him become a regular in the side and led Milan to try to extend his loan deal until the end of the current campaign.

"At the beginning he (Beckham) was set to train with us for two months and I didn't think about playing him," said Ancelotti in an interview with Foot Magazine.

"Then, I saw how he trained and I had no choice," he added.

"We tried to get him four years earlier and two years ago but the negotiations faded away.

"I can say he is a great player. He has won me over with his performances and his character."

Beckham has made nine Serie A starts for Milan and scored twice.

Ancelotti believes the 33-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has improved with age and even said aspects of his game were better than former FIFA World Player of the Year Kaka.

"On the pitch, Beckham sees everything before everyone else," said Ancelotti. "His vision of play is better now than during his time in Manchester and in that respect, he has nothing to envy Kaka for.

"He is slower but much stronger tactically and technically. He is very intelligent and works a lot."