LONDON - ENGLAND midfielder David Beckham is relishing the chance to play Champions League football again once he returns to AC Milan on his second loan spell in January.

Milan missed out on Champions League qualification last season but are on course to progress from the group stages this time around, allowing the 34-year-old to be eligible for the start of the knockout phase in February.

'I've not been involved for a few years now but I always enjoy Champions League games,' said Beckham, who first joined the Serie A side from the Los Angeles Galaxy at the start of 2009.

A Champions League winner in 1999 with Manchester United, Beckham's last appearance in the competition came for Real Madrid in 2007, prior to joining the Galaxy that July.

'They're different from playing the majority of league games,' he said. 'They're always special nights and there's always a different atmosphere, especially at big clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Milan.'

Beckham has been keeping an eye on Milan's early season form in Serie A under new head coach Leonardo. 'Unless I've been playing or training I've watched every game,' he said. 'I watch every Milan game, every Manchester United game and every Madrid game being an ex-player and a fan of all three teams. It's great to watch teams like that and learn from players and teams.' -- AFP