God Beckham

Oct 6, 2006, 12:56 GMT

David Beckham is a God, according to his wife Victoria.

The former Spice Girl claims her Real Madrid footballer spouse is worshipped like a deity in Japan and there is even a temple where his followers got to pray to him.

Victoria told Harper's Bazaar magazine: "There is a temple there where the Japanese go to pray to a statue of David. I know it sounds crazy but it's true."

David's popularity in Japan has soared since he played in the 2002 World Cup, which was hosted in the Far Eastern country.

During a promotional tour of the country in 2003 David was mobbed everywhere he and Victoria went.

On the island of Awajishima, in western Japan, a bronze statue of the footballer has been erected at the ground he and the England team trained at during the tournament.

Japan is not the only Far Eastern country that 'worships' David.

At the Wat Pariwas Buddhist temple in Thailand a golden statue of the former Manchester United player, created in 1998, stands alongside statues of the Buddha - Siddhartha Gautama the historical founder of the spiritual philosophy.

Since signing for Real Madrid, David, 31, has increased the popularity of the Spanish club in the region and has made the club millions in shirt sales.

(C) BANG Media International