Japanese fans mob Beckham

New Real Madrid signing David Beckham was given a rapturous welcome by fans in Japan today after jetting in for a tour of the Far East.

The 28-year-old England captain ended months of speculation by confirming last night he is to leave Manchester United for the Spanish side after the club agreed a €35m deal.

More than 1,000 Japanese fans – some already sporting Real Madrid tops - turned up amid tight security at Tokyo’s Narita airport to catch a glimpse of the millionaire star and his wife Victoria.

The couple, who are beginning a tour of the Far East, are set to shoot commercials in Japan before heading to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.

The World Cup made Beckham a hugely popular figure in Japan, where he is known as “Beckham-sama” – roughly translated as Sir Beckham.

Fan Mari Kobayashi said at the airport: “He is just so much more exciting to watch than Japanese players. He is gorgeous.”

As Beckham wooed the crowds, leaving some girls reduced to tears, Manchester United confirmed the multi-million deal to the Stock Exchange.

Madrid will pay an initial €7m upon completion of the sale and €17m over four years in equal instalments.

The remaining €10m is conditional on Real’s performances in the Champions League.

Under the deal, €1,252,053 would be payable every time Real qualify for the Champions League over four years, with another €1,252,053 every time they get to the quarter-finals over the same period.

The deal is expected to be completed next month if “satisfactory payment guarantees” are agreed.