'Victoria, you're an inspiration to me'

Victoria Beckham was reduced to tears last night as her husband David was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at BBC's Sports Personality of the Year.

The former Spice Girl struggled to contain herself as she sat with the couple's three sons Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, eight and four-year-old Cruz and Beckham's mother Sandra.

A clearly emotional Beckham also found it difficult not to cry as he thanked Victoria and their sons for their support over the years.
Of course, I want to thank my wife and my children. Not only has she given me three amazing boys but the support she's given me and she is truly and inspiration for me every single day. So Victoria, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz - thank you.

In the audience, a teary Victoria wiped her eyes as she watched her husband accept the prize along with her sons.
While Lineker gave Beckham, 35, a couple of seconds to recover, Sir Bobby said: 'I would just like to say congratulations to David. He is a very very pleasant person and a good man and he deserves everything that has been said of him tonight.

'He's also never afraid to say his opinions on everything so I think I should pass it across to him now.'
Beckham then continued: 'I'm obviously really humbled because to receive an award for something I love doing and have always loved doing is amazing. To receive it from Sir Bobby Charlton, I am truly honoured.

'Football is a team game and without the teams and the players' support I have had over the years, I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't be here without the skill and support of those players.
'I've been lucky enough to play with some of the great teams over the years. Playing for England has been one of the highlights and biggest things of my career.
'I've been able to play under some of the best coaches in my career and obviously for me the best manager in football who I regard as a father figure still after so many years of knowing him - Sir Alex Ferguson.

'I'm sorry that I'm going on, but I really have to thank my parents, who have sacrificed so much over the years.

'My sisters, my grandparents, my family, my friends, other people who work with me and for me, and
And lastly, if I've forgotten anyone I apologise.
'This year I went to Afghanistan and I saw the bravery of our troops out there. And what they do day in and day out, they risk their lives to save other people.
'I dedicate my award to the men and the women who are serving our country in Afghanistan. Be safe and have a great Christmas.'


Previous winners of the Lifetime Achievement award include his former manager Sir Alex Ferguson, George Best and Seve Ballesteros.

Leytonstone-born Beckham made his England debut in September 1996 against Moldova and has gone on to win 115 caps - captaining England 59 times.

He spent a decade at Manchester United, lifting nine major trophies with the club before moving to Real Madrid in 2003.


The father-of-three was also a key member of the England 2018 World Cup bid, which lost out to Russia in the vote earlier in December.


Beckham is England's most capped outfield player and won six Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester United. In 2001 Beckham was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
He currently plays professional football for American team Los Angeles Galaxy.


Before the sportsman took to the stage to accept his Lifetime Achievement award from Sir Bobby Charlton and Ryan Giggs, a VT showed Prince William paying tribute to the footballer, saying: 'His contribution to football in 18 years has been exceptional.
'During his career he has had high and lows but has always remained determined. Most importantly, he is an example to young and aspiring footballers of how to play the game with skill, integrity and determination.'
Dressing up for the occasion, Victoria stayed warm in a chic camel coat over a tight dress, and David ensured he looked smart for the ceremony as well, opting for a dark three-piece suit with a monochrome tie, as well as slicking his newly-long hair back.






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