DAVID BECKHAM SUFFERS ASTHMA

David Beckham suffers from Asthma

Tuesday November 24,2009

By John Chapman

ONE of the best kept secrets in world sport has finally been revealed – England hero David Beckham suffers from a breathing disorder.

Beckham, known as one of the fittest men in football, has had a mild form of asthma most of his life.

Over the weekend the wheezing star sat down at the side of the pitch during his US side LA Galaxy’s cup final defeat and was seen taking a puff from an asthma inhaler.

Gulping large mouthfuls of air and looking rather uncomfortable, the 34-year-old former Manchester United star was photographed with the device after 90 minutes on the pitch against Real Salt Lake. The game went into extra time and Salt Lake won on penalties.

The football star suffers a mild form of the breathing disorder

Beckham had been playing with a bruised ankle bone and had also taken three painkilling injections to get him through the match.

His spokesman confirmed last night: “David has had a mild form of asthma since childhood. It’s something he has always had and it’s not an issue for him.

“Some of the best athletes in the world suffer from asthma. There is no problem with his aerobic fitness.”

One of his friends added: “David has always had a mild form of asthma since he was younger and it’s never been a problem during his career and isn’t now.”

Asked whether the notorious Los Angeles air pollution was affecting the player, his spokesman added: “He lives in Beverly Hills. There’s no smog there.”

With wife Victoria and his sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz looking on, the player was left heartbroken after his team failed to capture the top prize in US football, the Major League Soccer Cup.

Galaxy were beaten 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out although Beckham scored his spot kick.

There are more than five million people with asthma in the UK. The illness causes breathlessness and coughing fits and can cause some sufferers serious discomfort.

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