David Beckham's empire to expand into water market

Jun 26, 2008, 10:05 GMT

British soccer player David Beckham and sons watch the Los Angeles Lakers play the Denver Nuggets in their first round NBA playoff game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA, 20 April 2008. EPA/ANDREW GOMBERT

David Beckham is set to launch his own brand of water.

The 33-year-old soccer star - whose £2 million contract with the soft drinks giant runs out later this year - is reportedly in talks with his sponsor Pepsi about the possibility of fronting a water brand for the company.

To keep him, Pepsi - who he has had a contract with for 10 years - have offered to develop the special product for the Los Angeles Galaxy player.

A source told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "After 10 years David feels there are other things he could do. He is a global brand in himself and there is more scope for him to promote his own products. He has an idea for creating a range of healthy products, including water. That's something Pepsi might develop for him.

"David is keen to go down the healthy route to keep in with his sporty image. And Pepsi is desperate to keep him, so who knows."

Meanwhile, David has confessed he is a keen autograph hunter.

Despite his worldwide fame, the sportsman admits he is still in awe of his idols including legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and basketball player Michael Jordan.

David said: "The whole experience of wanting someone's autograph is something special, especially when you're a little kid and you have heroes whom you look up to. I've been incredibly lucky - I've met so many great people so that's quite a few autographs I've got that I'm proud of."