( AFP ) - David Beckham trained with Arsenal for the first time on Friday as the England midfielder keeps fit for international duty.
Beckham, 32, asked Gunners manager Arsene Wenger for permission to train with the club during LA Galaxy's off-season break and has made his first appearance at their London Colney base, near his home in Hertfordshire.
The former Manchester United star's decision to work with the Premier League leaders is part of his bid to win his 100th cap in England's friendly against Switzerland on February 6.
He hopes that training with Arsenal will show new England coach Fabio Capello that he is serious about extending his international career.
Beckham will mainly train with Arsenal's reserves and will only join up with the first team occasionally when they are short of players.
He is expected to return to LA Galaxy in mid-February in time for their pre-season friendlies ahead of the MLS season, which starts in late March.