Becks is really Posh now after worthy knighthood

NEWS of David Beckham's knighthood this weekend was not a surprise. The news had been leaked earlier this month.

- GARY NEWBON

I am pleased for him. He was a fine footballer in this country for England and Manchester United. He has fame and fortune and a pop star wife in Victoria.

I knew and interviewed Beckham in those heady days in both the World Cup and with United. I really liked him. He was helpful, polite and tried hard on our interviews.

On the pitch, he was talented and had what they describe as a tremendous engine. David was a great crosser of the ball and practised free-kicks in training for many extra hours. It all paid off for him.

His looks and smile and his outside football associates set up massive commercial opportunities which have made him a very rich person. But he has not forgotten his commitment to charities.

He married a pop star, superstar Victoria Adams from the Spice Girls with a professional nickname of Posh in 1999.

I recall one live interview on ITV after a Chelsea-Manchester United match at Stamford Bridge when I wanted to refer to Victoria but had a mental block and referred to his then girlfriend as 'Posh'. David just smiled but did not correct me!

His football/showbiz marriage was the most famous since another England footballer/pop singer wedding when Billy Wright, Wolves and England captain wed Joy Beverley of the Beverley Sisters in July 1958. The marriage lasted until Billy died in September 1994.

Beckham, now 50, is the president and co-owner of both the USA soccer team Inter Miami and of EFL League Two team Salford City.

On the field, he won 19 major trophies and is the first English player to win league titles in four different countries - England with Manchester United, Spain with Real Madrid, USA with LA Galaxy and in France with Paris St Germain.