USHER - USHER: 'BECKHAM MADE ME LOVE SOCCER'

R+B hunk USHER credits British soccer ace DAVID BECKHAM with turning him into a fan of the sport.

The U GOT IT BAD singer, 25, struck up a friendship with the husband of former SPICE GIRL VICTORIA after discovering the REAL MADRID ace was a huge fan.

When the pair met up, Usher was introduced to Beckham's sport in the best possible way - by seeing the ENGLAND captain playing with former team MANCHESTER UNITED.

And now Usher - who recently split from TLC beauty ROZONDA 'CHILLI' THOMAS - is planning to make frequent trips to see Beckham play for his new Spanish club.

He says, "I'm proud to know a great artist like David Beckham respects my music. I've met him lots of times and we get on well.

"I didn't enjoy soccer until I saw him play. He invited me to watch him at Manchester United. Because of that game I became a soccer fan. I know he's a great player.

"I follow him as an entertainer - whether it's for his football - I follow what he's doing. I have seen him play in Madrid and I'd like to see him play more often."