David Beckham was forced to leave his luxurious hotel in Qatar after fans became aware of where he was staying.
The former Manchester United player was brought into Qatar as an ambassador for the World Cup. He was staying at the five-star Mandarin Oriental in Doha, situated in the city's Msheireb district.
Beckham's accommodation came complete with its own dining area, private concierge, open-air courtyard, private pool, and gym. However, he supposedly checked out during the weekend as many fans learned where was staying at the hotel, the Mirror reports.
Read more: Manchester named one of the best places to visit in the UK in 2023 by Time Out
It is not yet known if Beckham has returned to the UK or has simply moved to a different location in Qatar. Staff at the hotel frequently referred to the football star as "Sir David" and were keen for him to enjoy his stay.
"The staff have loved having him here and referred to him as 'Sir David' because he was so respectful and respected back by everyone," a hotel source told the Daily Mail. "He wasn't seen much at all by the other guests because he had a lovely suite which is like a hotel within a hotel, meaning he didn't need to mix with them.
"He's been very polite and charming to the staff and seems like a very decent man. Sir David is one of the most famous men in world football and it's been an honour having him here. It's a pity he's no longer here but I'm sure he'll be back. Who wouldn't love staying here?"
Beckham reportedly tried to stay under radar while out in public, being driven around Qatar in a limousine with blacked-out windows. He also entered and exited the hotel through a private entrance.
His rekindled relationship with the Middle Eastern country has brought in some criticism, despite already having some involvement through his career with PSG which is owned by the state of Qatar. While the 47-year-old was keen to emphasise the positive of the World Cup, concerns were raised over the human rights and LGBTQ issues rampant in the region.
He said in a speech: "Almost two decades ago, a small group of football lovers from Qatar had an equally fantastic dream: that they could bring the greatest football show on earth to their home country and to the Middle East for the very first time. And now we are here."
However, the Three Lions Pride Group co-founder Di Cunningham has said: “I’m just so disappointed because we – the LGBTQ+ football family – have put David Beckham on a pedestal, as a great ally and then it turns out that he’s taking a lot of money to be an ambassador for this World Cup, and that’s incredibly disappointing. So I really hope that the message has got through that people will be criticised for that.”
Read next:
- Festive karaoke huts will return to Manchester for 2022 at Bar Hutte
- Manchester restaurants 'go large' with Christmas decorations - all the best displays across the city
Two Manchester restaurants in the running to be named 'best takeaway in Britain'
- Light trails taking place across Greater Manchester for Christmas 2022
- Christmas family-friendly events you can start booking now