Soccer: Serepisos likes what he sees in Beckham

Wellington Phoenix owner Terry Serepisos. Photo / Getty Images

Beckham backer Terry Serepisos is impressed by the humility of the star footballer.

The Wellington Phoenix owner who has organised the LA Galaxy's visit to New Zealand was in Sydney to watch the game against Sydney FC.

Serepisos said the hype created by Beckham's visit to Australia must have been along the lines of what Beatlemania was like in the 1960s.

He said David Beckham is an amazing ambassador for the game and very humble, considering he is a superstar.

Serepisos is hoping for a record crowd at the Wellington game on Saturday. At least 15,000 people are due to turn up to an open practice in Wellington today and security has been tightened at Wellington International Airport for Beckham's arrival.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast said thousands are expected to welcome the footballer this afternoon.

She said he is not just another footballer but an international superstar.

Prendergast believes Beckham's visit will put Wellington on the world stage and help increase the profile of football in New Zealand.

- NEWSTALK ZB