News of Beckham's shock move to the Serie A giants rocked the Milanello in recent days, with the England winger poised for a loan spell from LA Galaxy.

Despite the presence of Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho is ready to welcome yet another free kick expert on board.

"He's a great champion. I hope he's happy with us. We'll take turns taking free-kicks," Ronaldinho told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I've met him in the past and I have always been struck by his class."

Milan vice-chairman Adriano Galliani conceded that the Rossoneri could only hope for a loan move in January, as Galaxy are unlikely to sell their star man on permanent basis.

"No one has spoken of a permanent transfer. The hypothesis is not possible because he has a contract with Galaxy, who don't want to let him go," he said.

"I hope it's a painful goodbye (at the end of the loan) because that would mean he's done well."