In Britain David Beckham has a reputation as the "Mr Nice Guy" of football. It seems the amicable athlete has been breaking hearts further afield, however, after an April Fool jape left Japanese women feeling distinctly lovesick.
Millions of schoolgirls were overjoyed on April 1 after hearing the blonde heart-throb was planning to move to Tokyo. Their excitement turned to bitter disappointment, however, when they found out they'd been taken in by a media prank.
One of Tokyo's leading newspapers decided to print the story of Becks' "transfer" to Japan as a good-natured gag. They didn't bank on igniting a whole new wave of "Beckham-fever" in the city, but that is exactly what happened.
The last time Japan's capital was gripped by Becks-mania was during last year's World Cup, when the England captain was heralded as the country's favourite sex symbol. Unfortunately for the nation's young ladies – not to mention its football fans – Becks will be staying at Manchester United for the time being.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
