It was a moment David Beckham will never forget. This week the footballer received the prestigious lifetime achievement award at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony. And his biggest fans – Victoria, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz – were there to lead the cheers. Not that they needed to. David received a rousing two-minute standing ovation from the crowd which clearly moved both the sports star and Victoria.
The fashion designer was brought to tears as she watched her husband accept the trophy along with the couple's sons, her mother and parents-in-law, Sandra and Ted, and sister-in-law Joanne. David himself found it to contain his emotions as he thanked his family for their support over the years. "Of course, I want to thank my wife and my children," he said.
"Not only has she given me three amazing boys, but she's given me (great) support and she is truly an inspiration for me every single day. "So Victoria, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz – thank you." David – smart in a dark three-piece suit – was given a few moments to recover from the crowd's overwhelming response by show host Gary Lineker. He passed the microphone over to allow footballing great Sir Bobby Charlton – presenting the award - to pay tribute to the 35-year-old himself.
"He is a very very pleasant person and a good man and he deserves everything that has been said of him tonight," he said before David took the floor. "I'm obviously really humbled because to receive an award for something I love doing and have always loved doing is amazing," he said, before taking the time to thank key people in his life, including Sir Alex Ferguson and his "sisters, grandparents, my family and my friends."
The dad-of-three, who recently attended the Night of Heroes awards with his eldest son - ended his speech by honouring men and women of the military. "This year I went to Afghanistan and I saw the bravery of our troops out there. And what they so day in and day out, they risk their lives to save other people," he said. "I dedicate my award to the men and women who are serving out country in Afghanistan. Be safe and have a great Chrstmas."
