SINGAPORE — Football superstar David Beckham made an appearance yesterday in a by-invitation-only event at Marina Bay Sands.

The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England star was in town to help raise money for charity via the Marina Bay Sands’ Art of Shopping initiative, where the integrated resort’s retailers contribute items to be auctioned off for charity. Beckham’s contribution to the cause was an autographed shirt of the last club he played for — French champions Paris St Germain.

He also met with students from The Guardian Academy — a sports specialist school — and the Singapore School for the Deaf.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with working with children,” said Beckham, 38.

“It’s very inspiring to see children who play football or play sports, which is one of the reasons why I’m here and why I visit certain parts of China as the ambassador for the Chinese Super League.

“Hopefully, the signed shirt raises a lot of money. I think that the initiative is a great thing and I’m very proud to be part of it.”

Nur Shahidah, a student from the Singapore School for the Deaf, said through a sign-language interpreter: “I was sad when I heard he was retiring from playing football as I think he still has a good few years left in him. But I’m very happy I got the chance to meet him.”

Several fans turned up at the ArtScience Museum for a glimpse of Beckham, following rumours on Twitter, but were left disappointed as his very brief appearance was confined to one of the ballrooms in the convention centre. HIRANAND SUNNY