David Beckham arrived in Australia on Thursday, with the LA Galaxy team, ready to play an exhibition match against the Newcastle Jets on Saturday.
Beckham, 35, was welcomed by New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally and gave a press conference at the airport.
“NSW is Australia’s premier state for major global events and we’re particularly keen to promote regional NSW destinations, so this is a great coup for the Hunter and the State,” Keneally said.
“Australia is a sport-loving nation and our passion for football has grown in recent years with the success of our Socceroos on the world stage,” she added.
Beckham said he is “looking forward to the experience of being in Newcastle” as a tourist in the Hunter Valley without the usual match pressure.
Saturday night’s game at EnergyAustralia stadium has already exceeded $1 million in ticket sales, plus another $600,000 in sponsorship and $400,000 in corporate sales, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The LA Galaxy midfielder last came to Australia almost three years ago, his first trip down under, when the Galaxy played Sydney F.C., losing 5-3 despite Beckham scoring off a trademark free kick.
He was accompanied by his wife Victoria and their sons, who are not joining him this visit.
Beckham, 35, was welcomed by New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally and gave a press conference at the airport.
“NSW is Australia’s premier state for major global events and we’re particularly keen to promote regional NSW destinations, so this is a great coup for the Hunter and the State,” Keneally said.
“Australia is a sport-loving nation and our passion for football has grown in recent years with the success of our Socceroos on the world stage,” she added.
Beckham said he is “looking forward to the experience of being in Newcastle” as a tourist in the Hunter Valley without the usual match pressure.
Saturday night’s game at EnergyAustralia stadium has already exceeded $1 million in ticket sales, plus another $600,000 in sponsorship and $400,000 in corporate sales, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The LA Galaxy midfielder last came to Australia almost three years ago, his first trip down under, when the Galaxy played Sydney F.C., losing 5-3 despite Beckham scoring off a trademark free kick.
He was accompanied by his wife Victoria and their sons, who are not joining him this visit.
