Obama tackles LA Galaxy star David Beckham over age and underwear

David Beckham proved himself a good sport when US President Barack Obama jokingly tackled him about his age and his line of underwear.

Congratulating Beckham's team LA Galaxy on its Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup victory, Mr Obama could not resist the open goals presented to him as he welcomed the players to the White House.

With perfect comic timing, he spoke of the "young up and comer on the team - a guy named David Beckham".

And as the 37-year-old former England captain smiled gamely, he went on: "I have to say I gave David a hard time. I said half his team mates could be his kids.

"We're getting old, David, though you're holding up better than me."

The president then scored more laughter with a cheeky reference to Beckham's business pursuits.

"Last year, at the age of 35, David had his best year at MLS, leading the team with 15 assists," he said.

"He did it despite fracturing his spine halfway through the season, injuring his hamstring a week before the championship game. He is tough. In fact, it's a rare man who can be that tough on the field and also have his own line of underwear. David Beckham is that man."

LA Galaxy celebrated their third MLS Cup championship last year, almost five years after Beckham joined the side on a bumper pay deal that saw him become easily the highest paid player in the country.

Earlier this year he signed a new two-year deal with the team before launching his Bodywear underwear range at high street store H&M.

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