soldier Beckham in Afghanistan

He said he's proud to be British. And we are proud he's a big Oasis fan and Milan lover :)

Last weekend David brought cheers and smiles to the UK Armed Forces during an emotional goodwill visit to Camp Bastion in Afghanistan.

He signed hundreds of autographs of England shirts and memorabilia as well posing for scores of photographs for starstruck members of the Armed Forces.

At times David was ‘overwhelmed’ by the courage and the stories he was told of the bravery and daily activities of the coalition forces.

During an impromptu question and answer session at the HQ of the Equipment Support Battalion he was asked about what had made him most ‘scared’ in his life, he said the birth of his children but added; “It’s nothing compared to what you are doing here. I have enormous respect for what you are doing here and I know everyone at home has as well. It’s a privilege to be here and I take my hat off to you.”

Garrison Sgt Major Warrant Officer Mick Green said: “This is truly fantastic for the troops and really lifted morale and for someone as high profile as David it gives a great boost to everyone. We are really grateful.”

David received a lesson in weapon handling, saw a demonstration of the metal detector used to find IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices) and then was taken to the helicopter pan where over 400 helicopter movements occur every day. As Chinooks and Apache took off and landed through the sandy air, Beckham was shown the controls of the Apache by Army Captain Scott (Scottie) Hewitt.

Captain Hewitt said: “It’s nice to know that other people are thinking of us. He is such an iconic figure and to make that effort to come to see us out here means a lot more than he will probably ever realise.”

David spoke to several battalions during the two day visit: “We all love playing football for our country and you all love serving our country. We know what you do and we are all very proud of that. You are the bravest people I have ever met and it’s a privilege to be here. You guys are putting your lives on the line for us and we owe you a great debt.”

DAVID ALSO DROPS IN ON US TROOPS

After David’s visit to the UK troops in Afghanistan, he then spent time with US troops when he dropped into the American HQ at Camp Leatherneck.

The former England captain was visibly moved as he also men from the Wounded Warriors, many of them on crutches as they recovered from the conflict injuries.

Lance Corporal Ernesto Fernandez said: “It’s a great honour to meet David Beckham – this is a fantastic boost for morale at this particular time.”

Just over a week ago the Camp was hit by a massive blaze, which threatened a fuel installation and was eventually brought under control with the help of British RAF firefighters from neighbouring Camp Bastion.

Navy Lieutenant Sarita Ojha from California admitted; “To be honest I don’t know too much about sport, but I do know that David Beckham is very hot.”

Staff Sergeant Jennifer Brofer said: “It’s great to see him here and gives us a real change of pace to the routine of our work here. It’s fantastic that he showing support for US troops as well as the Brits especially as he has seen those who have been injured as well.”

visita speciale per le truppe inglesi in Afghanistan. David Beckham ha infatti voluto incontrare i militari britannici di stanza nella regione afghana di Helmand, una delle roccaforti dei talebani. "Non posso che provare ammirazione per questi giovani uomini e donne, mi fanno sentire onorato di essere britannico", ha detto il campione costretto a saltare il Mondiale per infortunio. Ad Helmand sono di stanza la maggioranza dei 10.000 soldati britannici impegnati nel paese

Soldier on