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SYDNEY: Football superstar David Beckham flew into Australia Thursday for an exhibition game with his team LA Galaxy, but minus his popstar wife Victoria who opted to stay at home.
The former England captain said he was “honoured” to be in Australia for this weekend's game against former A-League champions Newcastle Jets at their 26,000-capacity stadium north of Sydney.
“We're honoured to be here, this is something the players have talked about and are excited about,” said Beckham, 35.
“We're here to enjoy ourselves but also here to perform as well and hopefully win.”
Beckham said Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer Victoria, who was widely reported to be accompanying her husband, was in the United States celebrating Thanksgiving with their three children, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz.
“My wife and kids would obviously love to have been here but they're celebrating Thanksgiving and Victoria's just come back from a long trip working in Europe,” he said.
“She wanted to come out but unfortunately it wasn't possible, but I'm sure she will at some point.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder's last appearance in Australia, which is bidding to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, drew 80,000 fans to Sydney's former Olympic stadium in 2007.
He will reportedly become the biggest player to visit coal port Newcastle since 1967, when Bobby Charlton and George Best turned out for Manchester United against Northern NSW at No.1 Sportsground.
