Beckham rooting for Pacman

MACAU—British football icon David Beckham blew into town Friday and professed his admiration for Manny Pacquiao.

“I am a huge fan of Manny,” said Beckham, regarded as one of the sport’s living legends and highest paid endorsers.

The 38-year-old Beckham, who last played for Paris Saint-Germain before retiring in May, met Pacquiao in 2011 when his LA Galaxy played against the Philippine Azkals.

According to Beckham, Pacquiao is “truly an inspiration for all of us.”

Beckham said he has spoken to Pacquiao and the eight-division world champion told him of the immense value of his showdown with Rios “especially with everything that has happened to the Philippines the past few weeks.”

Of course, Beckham, who’s also here to forge a tieup with Las Vegas Sands, is going to root for Pacquiao in the fight against Rios.