He has described his move to Real Madrid as a "unique and amazing opportunity". Beckham will sign a four-year contract with the Spanish club in July after they agreed a ?25m fee for the England captain with the Premiership champions.

"I recognise that this is an amazing opportunity for me at this stage in my career and a unique and exciting experience for my family," he explained. "I know that I will always regret it later in life if I had turned down the chance to play at another great club like Real Madrid, which also has world-class players."

Sir Alex Ferguson praised David in a statement saying "I’ve known David since he was 11 years of age, and it’s been a pleasure to see him grow and develop into the player he has become."

Beckham also made a point of thanking Sir Alex Ferguson, his manager at Man Utd. "I would like to publicly thank Sir Alex Ferguson for making me the player I am today," he said.

"I will always hold precious memories of my time at Manchester United and Old Trafford as well as the players, who I regard as part of my family, and the brilliant fans who have given me so much support over the years and continue to do so."

"I wish them the best of luck and led by such an inspirational captain as Roy Keane, I am sure they will continue to go from strength to strength."

Beckham and his wife Victoria arrived in Tokyo today as part of their tour of the Far East, where the player is a footballing icon.

The couple are set to shoot commercials in Japan before heading to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

David Beckham OBE? - 09/06/03
Can it be true that Becks is in line for an O.B.E? Not a bad achievement for 28 years.

David’s name has reportedly been mentioned as being on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, in recognition for his services to football (as opposed to his services to hairdressers everywhere).

If it is true then Becks will receive the award alongside French managers Gerard Houllier of Liverpool and Arsene Wenger of Arsenal.

Enter The Beckhams -03/06/03
Posh and Becks stole the show and won the heart of Hollywood when they presented an MTV Movie Award at the ceremony in America.

The couple looked absolutely stunning in matching white Dolce & Gabbana outfits. David had ditched his corn-braid hair do for a swept back look accessoried with star stubble, and as many glittering diamond cross’s as his neck could carry.

Victoria’s ?15,000 dress was low cut to the max, showing off a larger bust to the delight of her (male) admirers.

They received rapturous applause when they went on stage and presented the Best Transatlantic Breakthrough Award to Colin Farrell. Could this then be the big American break that Victoria has been angling for?

She has not been shy at admitting that she would be interested in a film career, and certainly impressed the Hollywood crowd, with Samual L Jackson commenting ’He’s the best footballer in the world and she’s really beautiful.’

But will their guest spot be even shown on TV, as Colin Farrell does like to drop the odd (several) swear words into every sentence and a glitzy award show is no exception.

Fingers crossed we see Posh and Becks wow them Stateside when the ceremony is aired on June 7th.


Beckham’s to hand out MTV Award- 27/05/03
David and Victoria Beckham will be handing out the Best Transatlantic Breakthrough Award at this year’s MTV Movie Awards..

Nominees for the award are Colin Farrell, Jude Law, Keira Knightly, Orlando Bloom and Rosamund Pike. The ceremony takes place in Los Angeles on May 31, and will be shown on MTV UK on June 7.