heroes welcome for beckham in china

He has been named as China's first global football ambassador in a bid to revive the image of the crisis-hit game in the country.

And David Beckham certainly received a hero's welcome as he touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday morning.

Beaming from ear-to-ear as he emerged from the terminal after a long-haul flight, the 37-year-old footballer waved to the huge crowd of assembled fans as he was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
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Hero's welcome: David Beckham was greeted like a superstar in Beijing on Wednesday morning


What a welcome! The 37-year-old footballer was presented with a huge bouquet of flowers as he touched down at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday morning



In awe: The star was mobbed by fans and photographers alike as he made his way out of the main terminal

On a mission: Beckham has been named as China's first global football ambassador in a bid to revive the image of the crisis-hit game in the country

Thrilled: David was embraced by a group of youngsters wearing colourful outfits

Despite being mobbed by a plethora of eager fans and photographers as he left the airport, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder seemed in good spirits as he made his way to a waiting car.

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With a jam-packed schedule to stick to, the father-of-four promptly made his way to Shijia Hutong Primary School, where he addressed the media about his involvement with the Chinese Super League.

Beckham wasted no time in making the dreams of a number of the pupils come true, by treating them to an impromptu kick-around as he showcased his fancy footwork for all to see.





Overjoyed: A group of schoolchildren held up images of the superstar footballer as they welcomed China's first global football ambassador





Snacks: Becks tried out various Chinese foods while meeting with students and teachers at No. 2 high school in Beijing


'We love you': David was greeted by an array of adoring banners, images of himself and a group of young cheerleaders as he embarked upon his four-day tour
The sports hero was then led inside the main school building by one lucky youngster, where he was taught how to write out his name in Chinese characters and treated to a performance by some children in traditional dress.

Beckham's new role as global football ambassador will see him promote the Chinese Super League both around the world and in China, while it is hoped it will restore the image of the beautiful game in the wake of the recent match-fixing scandals.

He said: 'I’m excited by the prospect of promoting the world’s greatest game to Chinese sports fans as I’ve seen first hand the growing interest in football there.



Bend it like Beckham: The sportsman was deep in concentration as he prepared to take one of his famous free kicks



He shoots, he scores: The British star showed off his skills to pupils at a middle school in Beijing



Taking him on: The star appeared to be going in for a tackle as a pupil showed off his football skills






Dapper dude: The sportsman oozed star quality in his immaculately tailored grey trousers, white shirt and tie as he took to the pitch




Winners! David high-fived some of the pupils after a successful game of football


Cheeky! David offered a welcome treat for the ladies in the bottom department thanks to his tight-fitting trousers
'This is a wonderful sport that inspires people across the world and brings families together, so I’m relishing the opportunity of introducing more fans to the game.

'This is a significant year in Chinese football history as we usher in 20 years of developing this sport professionally and mark the 10-year milestone of the Chinese Super League – which today reaches 300 million television viewers and 4.49 million spectators annually.'

But speaking in a press conference on Wednesday, the star insisted he is not in China to help 'clear up' the sport.


Straightening things out: Beckham's involvement comes after football in the nation has been hit by controversy in recent months, with 33 players and officials banned from the league in February after a three-year probe into corruption



Quietly confident: Beckham strode confidently into the arena as he prepared to address both a group of schoolchildren and the global media



Round of applause: The sportsman made his way to Shijia Hutong Primary School, where he addressed the media about his involvement with the Chinese Super League



Setting the record straight: Beckham insisted he is not in China to help 'clear up' the sport, and just wants to help educate children about football

Work commitment: Beckham is on a four-day tour of China, where he hopes to promote football







Busy: David will spend two days in Beijing, visiting a number of schools and fans, as well as players at the Beijing Guo’an Football Club, before travelling on to the coastal city of Qingdao and the central city of Wuhan



Contemplative: The star seemed a little amused by one of the questions asked of him in the press conference
He added: 'I am helping in the education for young kids and young aspiring footballers. It's as simple as that. I am not here to clear up anything. I am here to educate the children and give them a chance of becoming professional footballers.

'I'm not a politician so anything that has gone on in the past has nothing to do with me.'

Beckham's involvement comes after football in the nation has been hit by controversy in recent months, with 33 players and officials banned from the league in February following a three-year probe into corruption.



Special ambassador: David posed alongside a number of officials and schoolchildren as he appeared in front of the media in a press conference



Emotional: David grinned from ear-to-ear as he embraced one visibly delighted youngster

Star quality: Beckham shook hands with thrilled pupils as he arrived at Shijia Hutong Primary School




A dream come true: The sports hero was then led inside the main school building by one lucky youngster, who looked proud as punch to be in such close proximity to the superstar

Meanwhile, high-profile players Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba both quit the league early into their spells.

David will spend two days in Beijing, visiting a number of schools and fans, as well as players at the Workers Stadium, home to Beijing Guo’an Football Club.

The sporting superstar will then travel south to the coastal city of Qingdao and end his trip in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.



Dashing: Even with his tie tucked into his shirt, David looked as handsome as ever as he took to the football pitch


Fancy footwork: The footballer thrilled onlookers by demonstrating some of his skills on the pitch



Bend it like Beckham! The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder treated the schoolchildren to an impromptu kickaround
Beckham served as an ambassador for the London 2012 Olympics last year and Chinese officials expect his popularity and influence will restore the game's credibility in their country.

'2013 marks the 20th anniversary of professional football in China and the special ambassadorship of David Beckham will attract global attention to Chinese football and the CSL,' a spokesman for the CFA said.

'While in China, he will attend the CSL and visit clubs to get a deeper insight into football in China. He will also help us to inspire and motivate many children to participate in this beautiful game.'



A new skill: David looked thrilled as he was taught how to write out his name in Chinese characters by some of the pupils



Mastering the skill: David finished off the piece by adding his name to the script



A helping hand: The star hopes his involvement in Chinese football will help inspire young players
It's been a busy few days for Beckham after he launched his latest collection for H&M Bodywear in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed the footballer has overtaken Barcelona’s Lionel Messi at the top of the footballer's rich list with annual earnings of £30.8million.

While David has been busy travelling with his various work commitments, wife Victoria is staying at home in London with the couple's children, sons, Brooklyn, 14, Romeo, 10, and Cruz, eight, and 20-month-old daughter Harper.



Back in London: Victoria Beckham is staying at home in London with the couple's children, sons, Brooklyn, 14, Romeo, 10, and Cruz, eight, and 20-month-old daughter Harper



Out and about: The 38-year-old fashion designer was spotted running errands in London on Tuesday alongside a driver