Associated Press

The former Manchester United star and England captain told a news conference Thursday that of all his qualities as a player, he hoped his work ethic was most memorable.

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"I've always wanted to be known as a hard worker on the field and successful," said Beckham, whose LA Galaxy club side plays an exhibition match in Auckland on Saturday.

"I believe I've always worked hard in every game and every training session that I take part in."

The 33-year-old midfielder said he worked hard to contribute to the success of every team he played for, whether it was Manchester United, Real Madrid or the Galaxy, where he moved in July 2007 on a five-year deal which gave him the highest player salary in MLS history.

"I feel I've done everything to be successful in each club that I've been at," he said. "I just want to be successful with the Galaxy now."

Beckham gave no indication his career is nearing its end and said he hoped to add to his 107 international appearances for England.

"But I take each game as it comes," he said. "It's important that I keep my fitness up and that's one of the reasons I'm going to Milan for a few months."

Beckham will join AC Milan in January on a three-month loan to maintain his fitness and prolong his career with the English national team.

Beckham is one appearance away from matching the England record 108 for an outfield player - held by 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. Goalkeeper Peter Shilton holds the overall England record of 125.

Saturday's match pits the Galaxy against an Oceania selection including former Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich of Australia and French international Christian Karembeu.