Beckham-mania hit Alberta’s capital like a prairie thunderstorm yesterday as England’s soccer superstar thrilled more than 37,000 fans at Commonwealth Stadium.
David Beckham’s name drew an explosion of cheers as he was introduced for the friendly between the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The English star drew an assist in a 2-1 Galaxy loss and played most of the game despite having an injured foot.
“I’m sure they’re satisfied,” Beckham said in an interview afterwards.
Even when he landed at Edmonton International Airport Monday, the city was abuzz, and Beckham was pleased with Edmonton’s welcome and the turnout.
“That obviously a good thing for the game and a good thing for the Galaxy.”
During the pre-game warm up, hundreds of fans lined up vying for his attention, and at one point a woman yelled, “Beckham, I love you!”
“C’mon, look at him, he is just gorgeous,” said 17-year-old Chasidy Yanda who lined up along the front end of the stands with her friends to get a closer look at the superstar.
“He is so hot.”
A family wearing Beckham’s jerseys drove over 500 km from Spirit River, Alta., just to see their favourite player in Edmonton.
“I was so excited when I heard the news that he was coming here,” said Joshua Kosabeck who was almost speechless when asked about his favourite player.
“I am just so amazed that he is standing right there,” said 19-year-old fan Leanne Evans who admitted she likes Beckham’s soccer skills, along with his good looks.
“I just want to get out there and hug him.”
With Becks being named to England’s squad for a friendly at Wembley Stadium, and then one in Trinidad and Tobago June 1, fans in Edmonton will have one up on Toronto. Because of Beckham’s plans to play for England, he won’t suit up against Toronto FC May 31.
