David Beckham arrived in Milan after a delay of some two years, but ready to commence the next chapter in his illustrious career.
The 33-year-old underwent a statutory medical at AC Milan's Milanello training facilities and will officially be unveiled as the most prominent capture of the winter transfer market - before the transfer window even opens.
Thousands of fans are expected to turn out at the San Siro tonight to welcome the latest in a long line of big names to adorn their unmistakable black and red stripes.
Beckham, who in moving back to Europe is bidding to remain in the thoughts of England coach Fabio Capello ahead of his next squad selection in February, will be in fine company at the reigning world champions.
Ronaldinho and Andriy Shevchenko both arrived in the summer to swell the ranks of former World Footballer of the Year winners to three alongside Kaka.
Beckham should get the match practice he needs, while Milan, who have fallen behind city rivals Inter in the chase for the Serie A title, benefit from another jewel in their collection.
It should, though, have happened two years ago.
In January 2007, the Milanese club made an approach for the then Real Madrid midfielder, but Beckham opted for the financially lucrative move to Los Angeles and Major League Soccer.
His England career almost ended as a consequence, but he managed to force his way back into the reckoning despite playing on the other side of the Atlantic.
He is now just one match short of a record-equalling 108 caps for an England outfield player, and there could be no better place to remind Capello of his talents than at the club the current Three Lions boss led to the Italian championship four times in the nineties.
‘I will watch him. If he plays for Milan, it's possible,’ Capello said.
‘If he doesn't play, then he will not be in the squad.’
Beckham first has to convince Ancelotti he is worthy of a place, although an injury to Gennaro Gattuso may have opened the door.
While Gattuso, who will miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery, would be delighted to give his place to the new arrival, he still has several reservations about the transfer.
‘It is a bit strange,’ he said. ‘Maybe it would have been better had he signed until the end of the season.
‘Let's say that he plays some great games and settles in in a special way, and then he has to leave again. This would hurt me and also hurt the fans.’
Beckham should return to the States in March to prepare for the next MLS season.
What he leaves behind is anybody's guess, but Gattuso is certain he will leave a mark.
‘Beckham has got us used to anything over the last two years,’ the former Rangers midfielder told Italy's Sky TV.
‘He has changed the shape of a footballer and (if he makes an impression) it would not amaze me.’
Beckham will remain in Milan to see his new team-mates in action tomorrow night as they host Udinese in Serie A.
He is then due back on 29 December to start work in earnest, joining Milan at their mid-season training camp in Dubai.
