DAVID BECKHAM has been tapped to serve as a consultant and partner in the development of Las Vegas Sands properties in Singapore and the gaming capital of the world, Macao.

    It’s the latest business venture for the former soccer player, who has parlayed his global stardom into everything from underwear to electronics, soda and razor blade endorsements.

    Announced out of Macao, the partnership will see Beckham, described as a tastemaker, lend his expertise in developing dining, retail and leisure concepts at Sands China Ltd. properties in Macao and the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

    Beckham has already worked with the Marina Bay Sands on its annual charity event Sands for Singapore Festival, which raises funds for partner charities like the Singapore Association for the Deaf and Art Outreach Singapore.

    He’s likewise the latest in a string of Western celebrities keen to get their foot in the door at the leading luxury destination in Asia. The Marina Bay Sands boasts a roster of celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs including Daniel Boulud, Wolfgang Puck, Guy Savoy and Mario Batali.

    Beckham is also working on opening his own pie and mash shop in Britain.

    However, sports is still one of his favorite topics. The former Manchester United and England star said he was a huge fan of Philippine fighter Manny Pacquiao and wished him luck as the Fighter of the Decade takes on Mexican-American Brandon Rios in a 12-round bout for the World Boxing Organisation international welterweight title last Sunday in Macao.

    Beckham said he was inspired by athletes such as Muhammad Ali as a youngster dreaming of sporting greatness.

    “Outside of football, I always looked up to people like Muhammad Ali because he wasn’t just the best. He’s loved by millions of people around the world. He wasn’t just a boxer. He wasn’t just a sportsman. He was a leader of people. And what he went through throughout his career it was truly incredible and inspiring.”

    Beckham said he misses playing professionally and that his decision to retire from football earlier this year “was one of the hardest decisions I had to make in my life.”

    “I’ve been playing professionally for 22 years and I thought it was time to walk away. But the good thing is that everything was set up for me for life outside of football,” said Beckham.

    The soccer icon said his hopes of acquiring ownership of a Major League Soccer team in Florida were gaining traction but “nothing has been confirmed yet.”

    (SD-Agencies)