Beckham: 'I hope to play until I'm 40'

(GETTY IMAGES)

AC Milan loanee David Beckham claims he could play on until he is 40 years of age.

The former England captain made his Serie A debut in last weekend's 2-2 draw with AS Roma and has now set his sights on prolonging his career.

The 33-year-old midfielder is due to return to Los Angeles Galaxy when his loan deal expires in March.

"I hope to be able to play until I'm 40," said Beckham.

"I love the game. When I stop loving it, that's when I'll decide to stop."

Meanwhile, Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho has made it clear that striker Mario Balotelli will not be allowed to leave the club on loan in the January transfer window.

The 18-year-old has been a bit-part player for the Nerazzurri this season, but Mourinho is adamant that Balotelli is going nowhere, even on a temporary basis.

He said: “Nothing has changed since the last time I called up a squad.

“His way of working is the same, his joy or lack of joy is the same, his attitude is the same.

“The only thing that has changed is that his brother has made it clear that Mario is thinking about being loaned out.

“We'll wait until the closure of the transfer market at the end of January, when he realises he's staying here. At that point there'll be no alternative to concentrating on his work with Inter.

“Maybe then his attitude will change, maybe he will return to the squad, but at the moment he does not seem to be in the condition to play.”