Becks a man can get: David signs Gillette deal

DAVID BECKHAM has signed what is thought to be his biggest sponsorship deal yet by becoming the face of shaving giant Gillette, the company announced yesterday.

The England football captain has agreed a contract which sources say "dwarfs" his other product endorsements.

The three-year deal will see Beckham appear in advertising and promotional campaigns around the world, including the US.

The deal with Gillette whose slogan is "The Best a Man Can Get" has gone ahead despite recent allegations that he had an extra-marital relationship with personal assistant Rebecca Loos.

In a statement, Beckham said: "I am honoured and excited about this deal.

"Gillette is a brand that everyone respects and I'm looking forward to being part of their business for several years.

"I get many offers for commercial associations, but I only ever consider the ones that I feel are right.

"I have always tried to associate myself with the best brands, as my existing relationships with Adidas and Pepsi show.

"This new Gillette deal is exactly that they are the best at what they do and I'm proud to be a part of it."

David Beckham, 29, has a string of lucrative sponsorship deals which reportedly netted him £6.75 million from off-the-pitch endorsements.

The former Manchester United player also has contracts with sportswear manufacturer Adidas, mobile phone giant Vodafone, haircare product range Brylcreem, Police sunglasses, soft drink brand Pepsi and retailer Marks & Spencer.

Beckham will make his debut for Gillette in television adverts due to launch in Ireland next month.

His image will be used heavily in the launch of a new battery-powered razor.

Gillette claim its M3Power razor provides the closest shave by using a pulsating razor head to make bristles stand up.

Peter Hoffman, president of blades and razors at Gillette, said: "Gillette is known as 'The Best a Man Can Get' and David Beckham is seen by millions as the best a man can be.

"He is an established international icon and one of the world's best and most recognisable sports figures. We intend to globally market him as Gillette's stylish, well-groomed man."

The Gillette deal is the first since Beckham signed with 19 Management, the company owned by Spice Girls founder Simon Fuller.

Julian Henry, a 19 spokesman, said: "This deal is important for David because Gillette is one of the biggest companies in the world."