David Beckham never lacked heart on the pitch – and he
proved he still has plenty of passion as he visited a hospital for ill children on a
promotional tour of China.
The former England skipper visited children suffering from
congenital heart disease during a visit to Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.
Maybe Becks was missing his own children, but he was very tactile
with the kids, happily hugging and playing with them as he chatted with the nurses.
Toy boy: Beckham plays with a child suffering from congenital heart disease at a hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province
Cheeky: Becks strokes the cheek of a girl in Green Town Hospital on his promo tour of China
Becks was a big hit on a tour of the hospital, which is part
of a promotional trip to China to promote football there.
The former Manchester United star wore a casual checked
shirt as he met staff and children at the hospital and looked remarkably calm
and relaxed after the pandemonium his trip has caused in the country.
Playing ball: David signs a football as a gift to a patient at a hospital for children with heart disease
At least seven people were hurt in a stampede when the
football star arrived at Shanghai Tongji University on Monday.
Witnesses said about 1,000 fans rushed forward as Beckham
arrived and waved to them.
Chu Dan, a Tongji University player, described the situation
as ‘too crazy’.
Great brawl of China: Beckham's visit to Tongji University ended up with some fans being hurt in the crush to see him
British ambassador to China: Beckham's visit has resulted in huge numbers of fans coming out to see him
The event was subsequently cancelled and Shanghai police said
they would investigate.
A post from Beckham, on popular Chinese social media site
Weibo, wished the injured speedy recoveries and expresses regret for the
cancellation of the event.
The 38-year-old star is in China for a total of seven days promoting
China's top football league.
He began his new role as ‘image ambassador’ when he
announced his retirement from professional football at the end of last season.
He
played his last-ever game of football with French club Paris Saint
Germain in May, leaving the pitch in tears as he said farewell.
He has already visited two schools in the city as well as having
a kick-around with some lucky children in the Olympic stadium.
Victoria Beckham is not accompanying her husband. Her
previous visits to the country, though, have generated significant interest.
He's still got that right foot: Beckham thrills kids at Nanjing Olympic Sports Center by having a kickabout
