It's official. England captain David Beckham made his first public appearance as a Real Madrid player on Wednesday, meeting the press in the Spanish capital and showing off his new white kit emblazoned with his new number – 23.
With an enormous billboard of the handsome player's face and a recording of opera star Placido Domingo singing the Real Madrid theme setting the mood, Becks took centre stage among a frenzy of flashbulbs. Dressed in a powder blue suit, he stood alongside club President Floretino Perez, who praised the "spirit of sacrifice, camaraderie and simplicity" of "one of the greatest English footballers of all time".
The soccer ace responded by saying: "Joining Real Madrid is a dream come true."
After showing off his new Real Madid shirt – he's traded his Man U lucky number seven to share the famed number 23 with legendary US basketball player Michael Jordan – Becks took to the microphone to express his thanks to his new club, and speak of his two joys: football and family.
The star footballer caused a sensation in Madrid yesterday as he jetted in for his 90-minute physical at a private local clinic. Having arrived accompanied by a police escort, Becks took time to relax after the check-up, signing autographs for staff and patients and enjoying a traditional Iberian ham sandwich.
He and his former Spice Girl wife Victoria spent the evening in an €1,800-a-night suite at a luxury hotel in the city centre, where hundreds of fans waited throughout the day to watch the coming and goings of the glamorous pair.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
