Wife of soccer star Beckham arrives in Los Angeles

(AP)
Updated: 2007-01-14 16:05

LOS ANGELES _ The latest wave of the British invasion is under way.

Victoria Beckham, former pop star princess and wife to soccer great David Beckham, arrived in Los Angeles, where her husband is to play with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer and where the couple presumably will make their new home.

Beckham landed at Los Angeles International Airport aboard a British Airways flight from London on Saturday afternoon.

Paparazzi pushed and shoved around the 32-year-old singer and security guards as she raced through the airport's international terminal to a black sport utility vehicle waiting outside. Beckham, who wore a gray cap, white blouse, black slacks and sunglasses, did not answer questions from the media.

Meanwhile in Spain, the coach of her husband's team said David Beckham will no longer play with Real Madrid, just practice. The development came as news to the star midfielder, according to one of his representatives.

Victoria Beckham, formerly known as Posh Spice of the Spice Girls, was in California to look at homes and schools for their children, said one of David Beckham's spokesmen, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the trip before Victoria's arrival in the United States.

The spokesman said Victoria had planned to visit Los Angeles for some time and will be there for a number of days. He declined to discuss in which neighborhoods Victoria was house hunting.

The Galaxy and Beckham agreed earlier this week to a five-year deal believed to be worth about $10 million (euro7.76 million) a year. He is expected to join the team in August.

In Madrid, Real coach Fabio Capello said at a news conference Saturday that Beckham will not play again for the European power.

"He will practice, but he is not going to play," Capello said Saturday at a news conference.

Beckham's contract with Real Madrid expires in June. The 31-year-old player would "continue to give his full commitment and professionalism to the club," Beckham spokesman Simon Oliveira said.

"David is surprised at the quotes from Fabio Capello, as nobody from the club has informed him of their intentions," Oliveira added. "As far as David is aware, he has a contract for the remainder of the season and he remains dedicated to the club and its supporters."

Beckham, who joined Madrid from Manchester United in 2003, has said he plans to leave Real Madrid after his contract expires June 30 and to join the Galaxy in August.

The Galaxy did not immediately respond to phone messages Saturday in Los Angeles.

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Associated Press Writer Paul Logothetis contributed to this report from London.



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