Beckham back -- for the moment

LONDON (Reuters) -- Manchester United's David Beckham returned from the United States on Saturday newly honored but with his future still unclear.

He jetted in from Los Angeles 35 minutes late with his wife Victoria and their two children at the end of a three-week trip aimed at boosting the couple's U.S. image.

They were whisked away through a side entrance to a waiting car, dodging a horde of media in the arrivals' hall.

SkyNews TV pictures showed the couple airside, walking towards an exit, wearing baseball caps and looking relaxed.

Beckham had been honored earlier in the day with the announcement that he had been made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in Queen Elizabeth's birthday honours list.

There was little chance to quiz him as the couple headed off, although the England captain declared with a smile: "I am truly honoured."

A spokesman for airport operator BAA Heathrow said: "After consultation among the airport authorities it was decided that in the interest of safety for the Beckham family and other passengers, an alternative route out of the airport be taken."

After a three-day break it is back to more promotional work for Beckham starting on Wednesday in Japan before moving on, with Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand also on the itinerary.

Beckham's possible transfer from Manchester United to play for Barcelona, Real Madrid or AC Milan, which prompted a frenzy of European headlines, raised little interest in the U.S.

But in Europe and beyond it continues to make huge waves with the next twist in the saga set for Sunday with the result of the Barcelona presidential election.

Manchester United have signalled their willingness to sell Beckham to Barcelona if Joan Laporta wins the election and can then persuade him to come.

But Real Madrid are widely expected to join the fray as soon as the Spanish league title is settled and a move to the nine-times European champions could be more attractive.

 

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