Becks has security beefed up following kidnap fears

David Beckham has been given an armed bodyguard for his three months with Italian football giant AC Milan.

The England mid-fielder has reportedly had his security beefed up as club chiefs fear he could fall prey to kidnappers.

There are also concerns that violent fans might get too close to the high-profile player if he is not provided with extra protection.

Fifty security guards will constantly shadow the 34-year-old football star and his team-mates, following fears they could be targeted by fans, according to reports.

A source told a UK newspaper: “Some of the fans in Milan are pretty wild and need to be kept at a safe distance from the players.

“[They] have been known to invade the training pitch and mob the players. Things can turn pretty nasty.”

But Beckham received a warm welcome from one security guard at least, when he turned up for his first day’s training at AC Milan’s training ground – the two are old friends following the footballer’s previous three-month loan spell from LA Galaxy.